Date Nights: Exploring the letter X in KC

X marks the spot for a good date. How about trying one of these options?

X is for eXperience, as in the Gleason Magic Experience. This is a close-up, sleight-of-hand magic show full of card tricks and mind reading. Greg Gleason has been performing magic for more than 30 years, with most of his time spent in Las Vegas. Back in the ’80s, he lived in Kansas City, and he had been wanting to return to the area to do some shows. You can now find him Friday through Sunday at the small theater next to Brass Onion at Prairiefire. His show is entertaining and fun, with just the right amount of humor injected into the act. As is the case with most professional magic shows I have seen, I had no clue how he did any of his illusions. Even when he explained some of the card tricks, I still didn’t get it. I suppose that’s the sign of a good magician. Gleason will be in town until January, so don’t miss out on getting some tickets.

I can count on one hand the number of hotel restaurants that my husband and I have eaten at, and none of them were particularly memorable. But XR Cafe at the Crossroads Hotel was a nice surprise. We started out with the heirloom tomatoes and mozzarella, which was divine. Loved the addition of the pickled peaches and buckwheat. Next up was the sweet pea falafel with dill yogurt, which was delicious. Last, we tried the XR burger—two smashburger patties, fermented pickles and special sauce served on a Blackhole Bakery bun. This burger was so tasty, worth every calorie and certainly rivaled one of my other favorites (Ravenous/Corvino). I would go there again just for that burger. Their house-made chips were also scrumptious. And I really enjoyed the vibe. Somehow, it manages to be a come-as-you-are place that is also cool and swanky.

One of the things that my husband and I love to do is eXplore—from surrounding small towns (like Excelsior Springs and Weston) to local downtowns (like Lee’s Summit and Parkville) to neighborhoods (like those off Ward Parkway in the Country Club District and off Mission Road in Mission Highlands). The West Bottoms is one such place, with unique architecture, huge ornate doors and curious murals. The River Market and the Crossroads also provide plenty of fun things to see. One of our favorite exploration outings was when we stumbled upon a cute little shopping area in Westwood right off State Line Road. Complete with a coffee shop, chocolate store, home goods store, florist and gift shop, it felt like a surprise right in the middle of suburbia. As J.R.R. Tolkien once said, “Not all those who wander are lost.” So get out and explore a little. You never know what eXciting things you might find.

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.