Locally Speaking Kansas City
All things local to the Kansas City metro and beyond
recent posts
- Why Peace Like a River Always Makes Me Think of My Mother-in-Law
- Kansas City Ceramic Artist Cathy Broski on Building a Life in Clay
- A Hidden Gem in Historic Independence Square: Gilbert & Whitney Co.
- Children’s Story-Time Recommendation, “Millie Fleur’s, Poison Garden.”
- A Presidential Legacy in the Heart of the Midwest
about
This is a blog to learn more about the Kansas City and surrounding communities.
Kristy Johnston is a retired educator, with a passion for continue learning.
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Recommended by Bookseller Ali Cave at Rainy Day Books A Visit to Rainy Day Book During a recent visit to Rainy Day Books (which I featured in a previous post), I spoke with bookseller Ali Cave about one of her favorite picture books and the lively story time she hosts each week.Inside Saturday Story time…
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Summer’s at the Pool When summer rolled around, my little brother and I would spend every moment at our local swimming pool. The pool was part of a recreational center that had everything—a go-cart racetrack, miniature golf, an arcade with pinball machines, and, of course, the pool. Fearless Fun My mom never learned to swim,…
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I have known Gina and Jared Holmberg for over 18 years. Gina Holmberg, is a local business owner and has been a makeup artist with over 30 years of experience in the beauty industry. After starting in retail and freelancing for various events, Gina’s journey took her through salons, production work, and even a wedding…
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The River House Restaurant is the main attraction on the bridge right now. I first hinted at this fun new spot in my previous post about Lula’s Southern Cookhouse. Self-described as “Midwest lake house x coastal smokehouse,” the River House delivers not just incredible food but a truly unique dining experience. Guests can dine 60…
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Dean Kube, a Kansas City-based artist, has dedicated his career to painting and creating expressive, vibrant art. I’ve known Dean for over 25 years now and have followed his work throughout those years. His passion for capturing the honest, genuine human experience is present in both the objects and people he paints. For Dean, painting…
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For 50 years, Rainy Day Books has been a cornerstone of Kansas City’s literary life. Founded in 1975 in Fairway by Vivien Jennings, the store began as a used book exchange and grew into one of the Midwest’s most respected independent bookstores.Last November, the store celebrated its golden anniversary alongside Vivien and her husband, Roger,…
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My mother-in-law, Beverly Johnston, was an avid reader with an endless curiosity. Her love for books lasted well into her late 90s, and she was also a talented artist, creating illustrations for children’s books, coloring books, and greeting cards. One of Beverly’s favorite childhood books was The White Kitten and The Blue Plate, illustrated by…
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I recently posted a blog on our friends at West Bottom Whiskey. Well, new event they are planning is too fun to pass up on. Step back in time and embrace the rebellious spirit of the Wild West with the launch of James Gang Rye, a bold 100-proof whiskey crafted in collaboration with West Bottoms…
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Hidden within the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art is one of Kansas City’s most unexpected resources: the Spencer Art Reference Library. Despite living in Kansas City my entire life, I had no idea this public art library existed. Open to everyone, the Spencer Art Reference Library Nelson-Atkins is both a research center and a welcoming space…
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I met Melissa Dehner, one of the most talented illustrators and artist in Kansas City, through my husband. He hired Melissa as a freelance artist to create powerful illustrations for the Nelson Atkins Museum of Art in Kansas City. She designed an amazing image for the museum of a dragon for the Lunar New Year…