Editor's Letter

Fall and winter: my favorite times of year! Would I rather spend a day at the pumpkin patch making memories with my children or enjoy a brisk winter evening with the famous Christmas lights of the Country Club Plaza? Fortunately, as a lifelong Kansas City resident with an undying passion and love for my hometown, I don’t have to pick!

Kansas Citians are proud of our city’s professional sports teams, signature barbecue (Jack Stack will forever get my top vote, but Joe’s Kansas City and Q39 are close runners-up), fabulous architecture, world-class performing arts, eclectic neighborhoods, local artisans and Midwestern hospitality.

This autumn, my family looks forward to visiting our favorite pumpkin patches and cider mills. Fall boasts so many terrific festivals that it’s hard to choose a favorite. Apple Fest in Weston, the Plaza Art Fair, Glow: A Jack- O’-Lantern Festival at Powell Gardens and the KC Japan Festival are just a few of my personal favorites. And it wouldn’t be autumn in Kansas City without the American Royal. The annual rodeo, barbecue competition and festival are a Midwest tradition you don’t want to miss.

Before we know it, autumn will give way to winter, and that means our favorite holiday traditions, beginning with the lighting of the Country Club Plaza Christmas lights. Then, we make plans to see our favorite holiday shows, The Nutcracker at the Kansas City Ballet and A Christmas Carol at the KC Repertory Theatre. We’re also looking forward to the return of A Charlie Brown Christmas (my all-time favorite) at the Coterie. With beautiful holiday light displays and traditions, Christmas in Kansas City truly is magical.

When we’re not enjoying seasonal favorites, we love taking in a First Friday in the Crossroads or Third Thursday at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. We always can find something to enjoy in Kansas City.

These are just a few of the things I enjoy about Kansas City. You’ll find many more as you flip through the pages of KC Going Places.

Welcome to Kansas City! We’re glad you’re here to experience the best Kansas City has to offer, and we hope you come to love this city just as much as we do!