Festive Things To Do This Holiday Season!

Go Ice Skating at Crown Center-

Kansas City’s only public outdoor ice skating rink is open for its 37th season of great skating fun!
Regular admission is only $6, or free for adults over age 60 and children age 4 and under. Skate rental is $3, or skaters may bring their own. You cant miss out on the fun! Get directions and more info at http://www.crowncenter.com/Event/Event.asp?EventRef=Ice

You can’t miss the 80th Annual KCP&L Plaza Lighting Ceremony -

Kansas City native and "Saturday Night Live" cast member Jason Sudeikis flips the switch Thanksgiving night. With the flip of a switch, over 80 miles of multi-colored bulbs illuminate the Country Club Plaza district as nearly 300,000 spectators applaud the start of the holiday season.

Get Tickets to “The Nutcracker”

Holiday magic sparkles as the curtain goes up for Kansas City Ballet’s enchanting presentation of The Nutcracker with live orchestral accompaniment of Tchaikovsky's famous music. Featuring elaborate scenery, stunning choreography and vibrant costumes, Clara’s magical adventure captures the imaginations of all ages. Kansas City Ballet’s The Nutcracker is the largest production in an eight state region. Over 200 area children who are students in the Kansas City Ballet School perform alongside 25 Kansas City Ballet company dancers. Visit http://www.kcballet.org/performancestickets/nutcracker.html for tickets and more info!

Take a trip through “Christmas in The Park” at Longview Lake in Lee's Summit

Christmas in the Park is one of Jackson County Parks and Recreation's most celebrated events of the year. Three hundred thousand lights and 175 animated figures and splashes of Christmas color transform Longview Lake Park into an enchanting winter wonderland. The entire family will delight in the warmth of this fun-filled, holiday display gift from your Jackson County Parks.

Stroll down the Candle lit “Holiday Luminary Walk” in Overland Park

“The warm holiday ambience makes this highly acclaimed event very special, and in order to accommodate the crowds, we’re offering four nights this year,” said Teri Shields, member of the Friends of the Arboretum. "This is a rare opportunity for those who appreciate nature to experience the thrill of the nighttime woods.” For more information, call 913-685-3604.

Check out A Christmas Story- The Musical

Now in its 45th season, Kansas City Repertory Theatre is one of the Midwest region's premier professional theatres. The professional theatre-in-residence at UMKC, the Rep has two performance spaces: Spencer Theatre, which is located just four blocks east of the Country Club Plaza, and Copaken Stage, located in the heart of the Power & Light District. For more information: http://www.kcrep.org/

Reserve your tickets at the Sprint Center to see Trans-Siberian Orcherstra

With the long awaited new album Night Castle on the verge of being released, Trans-Siberian Orchestra (TSO), one of rock music’s biggest arena attractions, announces it will once again launch another monumental North American tour playing more than 80 cities in a nine-week period including a Wednesday, December 23 show date in Kansas City with two spectacular performances at Sprint Center at 3:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m Visit www.sprintcenter.com for Tickets and more information

See David Archuleta Perform Live at Midland Theater

Singing on stage at the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles was a moment David Archuleta will never forget, but there were a number of pivotal moments that happened in his (even) younger days, and he'll never forget any of them either, including singing for the first season "American Idol" contestants in Hollywood in 2002, when he was just 11 years old. For Tickets go to http://www.midlandkc.com/eventdetail.php?id=25066

Mayor’s Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony at Crown Center

Join KC native Eric Stonestreet, star of ABC's "Modern Family," as we light the 100-foot-tall Mayor’s Christmas Tree. The tree, one of the nation’s tallest, is the centerpiece for an illuminating holiday celebration. It's a symbol of the Mayor’s Christmas Tree Fund, which is dedicated to assisting the city’s less fortunate. Friday, Nov. 27 at 5:30 pm Visit Http://www.crowncenter.com/Event/Event.asp?Key=424&~=

Dine Out On Thanksgiving & Watch The Lighting Ceremony

The tables are set for Thanksgiving on the Plaza where the atmosphere is inviting and dinner is definitely delicious! Reservations are now being taken at these Plaza restaurants for spirited celebrations before the lighting ceremony... or after.

Capital Grille will offer a traditional turkey dinner along with regular menu items. Hours will be 11am-8pm. Capital Grille, 4740 Jefferson, 816.931.6548

Chaz on the Plaza Thanksgiving Dinner, November 26; a prime spot for enjoying a Thanksgiving tradition on the Plaza. Chaz features a special three course menu with a selection of starters, entrees (including roasted turkey with traditional accompaniments) and desserts. $38 per adult, $19 per child age 3 – 12. Chaz on the Plaza, 325 Ward Parkway, (816)802-2152


Figlio’s Italian Restaurant Thanksgiving Brunch with the traditional Thanksgiving dishes including carving station with prime rib and ham. 10 am – 6 pm. Adults: $26.95. Kids under 5: Free. Kids 5-10: $9.95. Figlio’s Italian Restaurant, 209 W 46th Terrace, (816)561-0505

McCormick & Schmick’s will open 11am-8pm offering a traditional Thanksgiving plate along with regular menu items. McCormick & Schmick’s, 448 W 47th Street, 816.531.6800


M&S Grill will open 11 am-8 pm offering a traditional Thanksgiving plate along with regular menu items. Turkey dinner $17.95 and ham dinner $15.95 served all day. After 2 pm enjoy a Prime rib dinner $19.92, and pumpkin pie $2.95. M&S Grill, 4646 J.C. Nichols Parkway, 816.531.7799


Plaza III will be open 11am-9pm in addition to their regular menu, Plaza III will offer a traditional Thanksgiving meal, $23.95 per person, adults $11.95 children ages 5-10, under 5- FREE. The Club at Plaza III will also open that evening with live music 12pm -4 pm. Plaza III, 4749 Pennsylvania, 816.753.0000


Starker’s Restaurant, Thanksgiving at Starker’s Restaurant; make reservations for our 3 for 33 menu (3 courses for $33.00) from 11:30am-3:00pm of traditional and non-traditional items for Thanksgiving lunch on November 26. Become a friend of Chef/Owner John McClure and Starker’s Restaurant on FACEBOOK for updates and details of special events at the restaurant. Starker’s Restaurant Thanksgiving reservations; 816-753-3565.

ALSO OPEN…

Fogo de Chao, 816.931.7700: Lunch 11am-2pm, Dinner 5pm-10pm
Granfalloon, 816.753.7850: 5pm- 3am
810 Zone, 816.268.9663: open at 4pm
Baja 600, 816.931.6600: 3pm-midnight
California Pizza Kitchen, 816.561.2420: 4pm-9pm, limited menu

Sneak Peek At Some Ridiculous Deals On Black Friday!

The Kohl’s Black Friday 2009 ad is 64 pages long and features over 300 early bird deals valid from 4am-1pm on Black Friday. Highlights: 50% off toys (including Barbie, Playskool and Fischer-Price brand), extra 20% off fine jewelry pieces that are already up to 60% off, apparel deals from $2, kitchen electrics from $20, the Dyson DC14 vacuum is $319.99 (normally $420), up to 30% off Wii games & get a $10 gift card for every $50 spent!

After 1pm, Kohl’s continues the great deals with 20%-40% off toys and 40%-55% off outerwear, sleepwear, shoes and sweaters.

Old Navy is going all out for Black Friday 2009 (this opens a PDF of the Old Navy ad), or as the store is calling it, Gobblepalooza. In fact, deals start on Thanksgiving Day with $15 sweaters for the whole family and 50% off outerwear.

Stores open Friday at 3am to start the Gobblepalooza rockin’ deals such as $5 Graphic Tees, $5 Performance Fleece tops, $10 jeans for kids, $15 jeans for adults and $15 frost-free jackets for kids. !

Also, look for your $10 off coupon! View the Old Navy Black Friday 2009 ad.

Where ever you end up shopping, here are some tips to help you out!

1. Research: start your Black Friday 2009 research on Thanksgiving day or earlier.


2. Make a plan: identify what you want to buy, what stores you need to go to and what time they open.


3. Timing is everything: arrange stores by opening time from early to late.


4. A fool and his money: be wary of Black Friday deals with quantity limits. If a store only has 10 items at that price, go elsewhere.


5. Visualize: know where your items are in the store.


6. Stay Safe: Black Friday 2008 was deadly; please don't trample anyone! Be patient.


7. Power of numbers: go with a team and attack separate stores or separate sections of the same store. Designate a meeting place.


8. Bring a snack: only amateurs stop at the food court on Black Friday! (Or the bathroom - so go before you leave.)


9. The quiet ones: don't ignore stores that don't advertise. They will have deals too!


10. Have fun: enjoy your family, friends and deals!

What's Going On This Weekend In The City? ( Weekend of November 5th)

Paula Poundstone at JCCC Yardley Hall

Besides being a frequent guest of Letterman and Leno, she is the first woman to win an ACE (the Cable Emmy) for Best Standup Comedy performance and the first woman to be invited to perform at the distinguished White House Correspondents Dinner. Razor-sharp wit and spontaneity are what make Paula Poundstone’s audiences erupt in riotous laughter. Armed with nothing but a stool, a microphone and a can of Diet Pepsi®, Paula’s ability to create humor on the spot has become the stuff of legend. Little wonder people leave Paula’s shows debating whether the random people she talked to were “plants” – which, of course they never are – and complaining that their cheeks hurt from laughter. Tickets will sell out! Get them Click here and get your tickets online!

Go Ice Skating at Crown Center

Bundle up and grab your skates! November 6 is opening day at Kansas City’s only public outdoor ice skating rink. Celebrate our 37th season of great skating fun with free skating from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. on opening day! Admission is just $6 for adults. Hours are 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Sunday through Thursday; 10 a.m. to 11 p.m., Friday & Saturday through January.

First Fridays in the Crossroads Art District- Downtown

Join the thousands that explore the galleries and shops in the Crossroads Arts District for one of the nation's largest art walks. If you have never been this is a so much fu! It is a great opportunity to support local artist in KC and find that piece of are you have been looking for to hand over your couch. This weekend they have a exhibit “Looking East.” Featuring Young Artists From China which was recently featured in the Kansas City Star. http://www.kccrossroads.org/

See Curious George- Sprint Center

CURIOUS GEORGE LIVE! is the new can’t miss live stage musical that will delight your whole family! Curious George is the inquisitive and loveable little monkey who takes everyone along on intriguing problem-solving adventures. Live on stage in his World Premiere musical tour, Curious George swings and flips his way through a fun-filled story that takes the audience from home to Rome. You and your children will laugh out loud, tap your toes, sing and dance along as you follow Curious George on his quest to win the Golden Meatball Contest. It’s a story about friends helping friends because of one very special "secret ingredient"! Bring your family on this loving, happy adventure with the one and only Curious George, coming soon to your hometown!

Chocolate the Exhibition- at Union Station Downtown

A gift for the gods. A symbol of wealth and luxury. An economic livelihood. Bonbons. Hot fudge. Candy bars. For thousands of years humans have been fascinated with the delicious phenomenon that we call “chocolate.” Now, only at Union Station, journey through history and unwrap the complete story behind the tasty treat we all crave. Engage your senses and discover facts about this sumptuous sweet you’ve never thought about before. Explore the plant, the products, and the culture of chocolate through the lenses of science, history, and popular culture. Chocolate is a sweet experience for all ages! Visit http://www.chocolate.unionstation.org/ for more info!

Beetles Tribute Band-American English at Midland Theater

American English in concert perform the entire career of The Beatles from 1963-1970. With precise attention to every musical detail, along with costume changes, vintage instruments and special effects, American English magically create The Complete Beatles Tribute! Tickets start at just $14.95 visit http://www.midlandkc.com/eventdetail.php?id=24483 for information or to purchase tickets.

Overland Park-One Of the Top 10 Places To Grow Up!

America's 10 Best Places to Grow Up

Low crime, strong schools, green spaces, and fun activities are key ingredients for a happy childhood

Posted: August 19, 2009

Overland Park, Kansas: Just 12 miles outside of Kansas City, Mo., is the lovely community of Overland Park, Kan. This family-friendly suburb in America's heartland has a four-season climate and is opening a 12-field, artificially turfed, fully lit soccer complex in the late summer. "Soccer is a big sport in this community," says Mayor Carl Gerlach. Meanwhile, at the Deanna Rose Children's Farmstead, kids can visit nearly 200 farm animals, toss a bobber into a fishing pond, or take a ride in a horse-drawn wagon. The 17-mile-long Indian Creek Trail makes for a great bike ride. At the same time, sports fans are only a short car ride away from a Kansas City Chiefs football game or a Kansas City Royals baseball game. In addition, "we have three different school districts in Overland Park," Gerlach says. "All three have been nationally ranked and won awards."

To read the full article click here;

US News & Workd Report
By Luke Mullins