Celebrate Valentine’s Day with a themed date!
Pizza Day
National Pizza Day is Feb. 9, and because I have rarely met a pizza I didn’t like, this is one day I love to celebrate. So many great places in Kansas City have pizza, and one of our favorites is Sarah’s on the Hill. Located in an old grocery store called Bruson’s in Strawberry Hill, this place has been slinging pies and serving up delicious drinks since 2019. They have an excellent happy hour from 4:00 to 6:00 and again from 9:00 to 10:00 daily. It features $2 domestics, $3 craft beers, $5 cocktails and sangrias and $5 10-inch, single topping pizzas. For just $2 more, you can get one of their specialty pies. They don’t skimp on toppings, and their crust is some of the best anywhere. It’s a small place with fewer than 10 tables and a distinct “neighborhood hangout” feel. But don’t let either of those deter you, as Sarah’s is eager to welcome newbies to the shop as well. If you don’t have the time or desire to eat in, they do a very robust and steady carryout business.
Heart Month
February is American Heart Month, and one of the best ways to reduce your risk for heart disease is by exercising regularly. But because February is one of the coldest months in Kansas City, slacking off of the physical activity, especially if it’s outdoors, is tempting. But the wintry outdoors can be fun. We highly recommend snow tubing at Snow Creek in Weston, MO. It is one of the most fun things we have ever done as a couple. Even though they have a conveyor belt to transport you to the top of Tornado Alley each time, your blood definitely will be pumping when you spin and slide down their 700-foot hill! Another terrific way to get some exercise in the winter, which is also perfect for a date night, is ice-skating. Of course, Crown Center has their well-known outdoor rink, but there are several others in the area as well. Additional ideas include skiing and snowshoeing. Finding ways to stay active together—even in the winter—gives you time to bond and helps keep your heart strong and healthy.
Chili Day
Feb. 24 is National Chili Day, and what better place to have some than at Dixon’s Famous Chili in Independence! What started out as a street cart in downtown Kansas City in 1919 has now become the longest-running family-owned business in KC, serving up good food for more than 100 years. My husband and I recently made it a point to go visit. He had been there before (ages ago); I had not. Their menu is simple: chili, tacos, burritos, nachos, tamales, burgers and hot dogs. We both opted for the basic chili plate with meat over beans. Our a la carte toppings included onion, cheese, pickles, sour cream and jalapeno relish. We also ended up adding ketchup to our chili because Dixon’s does not use a traditional tomato base and cooks their meat and beans separately. All in all, the chili was warm, comforting and tasty. We agreed that we’d like to try their tacos sometime, especially since they have an all-you-can-eat special every day for $9.99.
Hannah Berry is a freelance writer who lives in the Northland with her husband. They love to explore Kansas City and try new restaurants and activities.