For this month’s date, why not try something a little quirky?
Museum Visit
One of the newest museums to the area is the Museum of Illusions at Union Station. Created by the same man as the popular Escape Room next door, Museum of Illusions is part of a franchise that began in Europe, and its only other U.S. location in New York. The museum’s mission is to trick your eye and entertain your mind. The gallery is small but features 70 exhibits, 17 of them with mirrors. They encourage you to spend an hour in the museum and take pictures. My husband and I went on a Saturday night, not long after they opened, and the line was long. As promised though, there were numerous photo ops. Some of our favorite exhibits included the vortex tunnel, the grand illusions room in which one person looks like a giant and the other a dwarf, swap noses, kaleidoscope, and the round table. We had a fun time and would definitely recommend a visit.
B-I-N-G-O
Another option for something slightly quirky is bingo. Bingo events are held all around the KC area at restaurants, bars, breweries, Knights of Columbus halls and other event venues. Some of them have a cost associated with them; some don’t. My husband and I recently went to a Sunday bingo event at Boulevard Brewing Company, which was held in their 10,000-square-foot beer hall. Bingo was a very popular event that day, so we were lucky to find a seat. The staff led us through three rounds, each lasting about 30 minutes. For every round, the play lasted long enough to get several winners and give away lots of prizes. One of the best things about the bingo was that it was free. We didn’t win any prizes, but we did have a lot of fun. Plus, the beer hall is a very nice facility. They have beer for purchase (obviously), as well as bar snacks and appetizers. It is also kid-friendly. We would enjoy going back sometime with some friends or family in tow.
Sing-Along
A third quirky date idea is Choir Bar, which was launched by the same company that founded both Breakout KC and Blade & Timber. The concept is simple. You meet up at a local event space with several hundred strangers—single, married, liberals, conservatives, singers and non-singers—and learn a popular song in three-part harmony. Attendees rehearse several times as a group and then record a professionally-produced video. On the night we went, I estimate there were nearly two hundred people there, of all ages. Many were returning for their second, third or fourth time. That night, we learned and performed “You’ve Lost That Loving Feeling” by the Righteous Brothers. The energy, camaraderie and friendliness were palpable. Smiles abounded. And in the end, we all felt good that we could come together as one to create something, especially in a world where things often seem so divisive. I can’t wait for more Choir Bar experiences.
Hannah Berry is a freelance writer who lives with her husband in Kansas City. They enjoy regular date nights and love trying new restaurants and activities.