Waldo Brews Tour – Happening Soon!

Posted on May 28, 2025 by Mary Hutchison

Think of all the great locally owned places you can hang out with friends in Waldo..coffee shops, bars, restaurants. The upcoming Waldo Brews Tour gives you and your friends the opportunity to visit many of your favorite spots…and perhaps discover some new ones!

The tour runs from noon-6pm on Saturday June 7–you can make a day of it or just spend a couple of hours visiting a few places. Coffee, tea, adult beverages and food are available…stops on the tour include Front Range Cafe, Kansas City Bier Company, City Barrel Pizza+Patio, Emilie’s French Teas; visit the Waldo Events page for the most up to date list.

Here’s how it works–purchase your ticket online, then pick up your ticket at Lew’s or City Barrel. The day of the event you will get a wristband when you board the bus that gives you access to transportation and the special discounts and deals at each location. The bus will stop at all participating locations; the main bus pick up and drop off is Waldo Social at 75th and Wornall. Buy your ticket this week – before June 1— for $15; $20 for purchases June 1 through the day of event. Besides the beverage deals, you’ll get a commemorative free band tee and koozie!

Long time Waldo residents may remember the bar crawl Waldo hosted years ago…now it’s time for a new and improved event, incorporating non alcoholic beverages and earlier hours to visit each location at a leisurely pace. Get your discounted tickets now at the Waldo KC events page.

NEW Waldo Farmer’s Market Open on Saturdays!

Posted on May 8, 2025 by Mary Hutchison

Good news–our neighborhood now has another farmer’s market to shop on Saturdays! The Waldo Farmer’s Market is “back”, in that a new organization is coordinating the vendors. It’s happening each Saturday at Three Trails Community Church, 7735 Main St. I recently spoke with market manager Jessica Thudium about the details.

Jessica and her husband Sam are members of the church, and are very dedicated to providing services for the community. They run the Christmas toy drive, the food pantry and coordinate food drives. Jessica wanted to do ever more for the neighborhood and the church leadership team supported the idea of the market. Jessica went to work, contacting vendors and making booth arrangements. Their first market was last Saturday.

Currently there is a produce booth that also sells greenhouse kits; an ice cream truck; a baked goods and flower vendor, and an upcycle clothing booth. Jessica has space for more, and is currently looking for another produce option, coffee provider, fresh eggs and honey booths. “We are so excited to create this space for the community” says Jessica, “it’s an opportunity for people to come together, enjoy local fresh food and goods and support these hard working local business folks”.

The Waldo Farmer’s Market is happening every Saturday from 9am-1pm, in the parking lot at Three Trails Community Church, 7735 Main St. You can follow their Facebook page for the most up to date information. And if you know someone who may be interested in renting space at the market, contact Jessica at farmersmarket@threetrailscommunity.com.

Brookside Art Annual Starts Tonight!

Posted on May 2, 2025 by Mary Hutchison

Friends and neighbors, gather in Brookside this weekend for the 39th Brookside Art Annual!

Tonight the booths open at 5pm and close at 9pm; Saturday hours are 10am-9pm and Sunday from 11am-5pm; location is 63rd St and Brookside Blvd. Artists from around the Midwest and beyond display paintings, pottery, clothing, jewelry and more — all for sale…and it’s just fun to browse!! You can nosh on food and beverages from Cosentino’s Market, Charlie Hoopers, Everbowl and more; plus on Saturday afternoon there are activities for the kids. Please be extra aware of additional pedestrians in the area over the weekend… Thank you for supporting our Brookside events and hand made art!

Trolley Run Closes Brookside Streets on Sunday

Posted on April 25, 2025 by Mary Hutchison

Just the facts…note these street closures for Sunday! Another run coming through our neighborhood.

The 37th CCVI Trolley Run will close off streets the morning of Sunday April 27 . The race begins at 75th and Wornall, and runs along Gregory and Brookside Blvd north to the Plaza. Here’s the route map:

The website doesn’t share any info on an approximate end time for the race; be prepared for these streets to be blocked off all morning on Sunday and plan accordingly!

Welcome to Brookside + Waldo: Blue Sky Art+Home!

Posted on April 16, 2025 by Mary Hutchison

Blue Sky…those words conjure up a smile and warm vibes. That’s the feeling you get when you walk into a new Waldo shop, Blue Sky Art+Home at 408 East Gregory, a few steps from the Front Range Cafe. Owner Leslie Beck opened the space November 1, and invites you to stop by!

Leslie grew up in Brookside and graduated from the University of Kansas with a BA in Fine Arts. She worked out of her home for years as a graphic designer (and still does that work); after her Dad passed a few years ago she started to paint on canvas. She had pop up shows at various locations at First Fridays, and eventually wanted to have her work on display in her own space. She met up with her close friend Katherine Bramble Taylor and together they had a long collaborative “blue sky” session, talking about “what would you do if you could do anything”. They decided to look for space together in the Waldo area and found this perfect spot. Katherine’s floral and gift shop, Bramble and Stem, is next door.

Blue Sky is an art studio, gallery and boutique. Inside you’ll find Leslie’s original paintings on the walls and unique merch for sale: pottery by Rachael Akin from Lees Summit; Archive bath and body products by Margot Elena; beautiful textiles and pillows, small vases, books and a special Blue Sky candle, scented by Brookside’s The Corner Candleshop. In the back of the store, Leslie hosts creativity workshops, often collaborating with Katherine from Bramble and Stem next door. Leslie explains these workshops are not technique or skill driven. “Each one has a theme, and we start out with some journaling thoughts for inspiration. Then everyone uses paints and various marking tools to create a personal piece of art”. No judgement here–Leslie knows everyone is born with a creative spark of some sort and she works with you to naturally bring out your inspiration in a unique way.

Besides creating art in this space and offering workshops and special gifts, Leslie also works on commission. Her mission is to create art with love; her work is deeply personal and meaningful. Through the commissioned pieces she will transform cherished photos into abstract paintings or create something entirely new, guided by emotions as she listens to your favorite songs via a playlist. Every piece is very personal and lasting.

Like so many working artists, Leslie has two full time jobs: working in this space and raising a family of five children with her husband. You can email her (leslie@blueskyartandhome.com) for shop hours or pop by when you are walking in the neighborhood.

Brookside St Pat’s Parade Happening Tomorrow!

Posted on March 15, 2025 by Mary Hutchison

One of Brookside’s most cherished events is happening tomorrow-the annual St. Patrick’s Day Warm Up Parade. I believe this is the 43rd year for the parade–and every year, it seems more and more people participate. The parade kicks off at 2pm.

Dreaming of Green is this year’s theme, and yes, there are prizes for participants! You’ll see huge colorful floats, an assortment of dogs, drill teams, crazy cars and local vendors, services and schools walking the route. Note: the streets around the parade route will be shut down starting early in the afternoon (parts of Wornall, Meyer, 63rd St and Brookside Road) so be aware and plan accordingly. The residential streets will be clogged with extra parked cars and traffic; watch for pedestrians, bikes, strollers, wagons and general merriment as the neighborhood gets out to celebrate.

Remember to stop in one of our local businesses for a beverage or shopping while you are in the area!…and thank you for supporting Brookside!

Another Dining Choice in Brookside: Cru Bistro and Bottles Now Open

Posted on March 12, 2025 by Mary Hutchison

One of life’s greatest pleasures is to share a good meal with friends. There are so many options: invite a few people over for burgers on the grill, or order take out and bring it to a homebound friend. Or…set a date to meet up at “the new place that just opened in Brookside”…which would-be Cru Bistro and Bottles at 128 W. 63rd St. Try a new dish, catch up with another couple, no screens for a few hours…just good conversation and tasty food, priceless!

So if you haven’t been to Cru yet, here’s a taste: the interior has been completely remodeled from the former Michael Forbes decor. Warm and inviting, the room is anchored by a long wall of wine bottles and white tablecloths on the tabletops. The large windows that overlook the streetscape will open during warm weather. The bar is still there, up the steps on the east side if you just want a drink and a nosh. Owners Hannah Koenig and Avery Bailey have extensive restaurant and hospitality experience (Avery was the GM at Bella Napoli), and when this space was vacant, somehow Avery convinced his wife to open Cru. Hannah told me “He was so excited when the space became available. We live within walking distance and love the community here, we love the neighborhood. We are both passionate and driven and we wanted to open this nice spot where people could connect over wine and good food in a relaxed atmosphere.”

The Cru name comes from that part of the vineyard where the best grapes are grown. And if wine is your thing, Cru offers some very unique varieties. They have bottles from Greece and Switzerland; Avery and Hannah work with small family producers and know the people behind the wine. Craft cocktails feature local spirits such as Tom’s Town. But what about the food?? This is a “bistro” but not solely French focused. You’ll find plenty of cheeses and a charcuterie on the menu, plus salads, a fish and chicken option and the very popular pork schnitzel and risotto. Some menu items will change seasonally.

Cru is open for lunch and dinner Tuesday through Sunday; weekends are the most popular so you may want to stop in during the week to have a more leisurely experience. Reservations can be made via their website.

**Avery Koenig, center and some of her crew, ready to serve you at Cru**

Chic and Stylish Condo for Sale Near KC Art Institute

Posted on February 14, 2025 by Mary Hutchison

So many people want to buy homes..and yet inventory is very low. Here’s an option: consider a condo! I just listed this beautiful, move-in ready in the Berkeley Condominiums near the KC Art Institute, Nelson Atkins Museum of Art, the Kemper Museum and…just two blocks from the Southmoreland streetcar stop, scheduled to open later this year!

The one bedroom, one bath condo is on the first floor, measuring 718 square feet. The vintage exposed brick wall and hardwood floors give the place a warm, inviting atmosphere, plus lots of sun pours into the space from the three sides of the sunroom.

Other features and benefits include top down/bottom up shades, new in-unit washer/dryer, new fridge and dishwasher, large pantry plus a dedicated extra storage space in the basement.

The bedroom fits a king size bed with extra space for a dresser.

The HOA fee includes water, snow removal, building insurance, exercise and party room in lower level. This is city living at it’s best–just lock the door and go! So many amenities outside the front door: museums, restaurants, the Country Club Plaza is just a few blocks south and once the streetcar stop opens two blocks away–that’s free transportation to Crown Center, Union Station, and the River Market area. Contact me for more details. 200 E 43rd St Unit 102, Kansas City MO. Offered at $169,000.

Bramble and Stem –Now Open in Waldo

Posted on February 6, 2025 by Mary Hutchison

Valentine’s Day is almost here…and if you plan on getting a special gift for your partner…consider stopping in Brookside and Waldo’s newest florist and gift shop, Bramble & Stem, 410 E. Gregory. The shop opened in November and has lots of unique gifts and lovely floral arrangements to inspire you!

Owner Katherine Bramble Taylor had been operating her own floral business out of her home as Studio 421, where weddings were her main source of business. . As a stay at home Mom–she was juggling the home business and family, yet always had an interest in operating a storefront floral shop. Her father was a small business owner and kept encouraging her to take the big step. When he passed away in 2023, she finally decided to follow his advice. Katherine says “I knew I would only open a storefront in Brookside. The welcoming and supportive community here is what sets it apart”.

Living with her family nearby in Brookside, this location is convenient for her and her customers. Katherine creates her arrangements with a loose yet modern vibe and a garden aesthetic: colorful and attractive yet natural, just like a garden full of blooms. Besides weddings and special events, Bramble & Stem sells plants and offers subscription services for residential and office use. Inside the shop you’ll also see fun extras available for purchase: small books, earrings, cards, chocolates, candles–even wine and snacks. Katherine can put together a special unique package for your or check out one of her special Valentine’s Day gift boxes for around $100. Delivery is available.

Bramble & Stem is available to rent for private events, and there is a separate room for the special seasonal workshops offered to the public. You can also stop by the special Valentine’s celebration featuring local pop up vendors happening this Saturday February 8 from 1-3pm at 410 E. Gregory.

Home Goods/Design Shop SID & Company Now in Waldo

Posted on January 15, 2025 by Mary Hutchison

As a residential real estate agent, I have toured some beautiful houses. Some look spectacular, yet somewhat generic on the inside. Some have a mish mash of eclectic decor. And some look like a college dorm room! Most people find it challenging to “decorate” — having your home reflect your distinct personality in a comfortable yet organized manner. Getting the balance just right is how Sid & Company can help. New to Waldo but not to the KC area, Sid & Company offer custom interior design services at their new home, 21 West Gregory.

Owners Jean-Anne Suderman and her husband Mark are both from Wichita and met at KU. Mark has his MFA in interior design from the Atlanta College of Art and at one time worked at Mark Shale. Jean-Anne was an art director for a couple of national advertising firms. After working in Atlanta for many years, they decided to move to Kansas City to be closer to family. They opened a shop in the 45th and State Line area offering design services and a retail store in the West Bottoms. They purchased this building in November 2023 to combine both retail and design services in one spot; and opened to the public October 5.

Why the move to Waldo? Jean-Anne explained they have many clients in the south KC / Mission Hills area and felt this location better served their clients. “Waldo is growing in such a positive way”, says Jean-Anne, and she especially enjoys talking to people that come into the shop to browse. This store is inspirational, packed with beautiful furniture, accessories, artwork and design books. Sid & Company rep several special manufacturers, including Verellen, a Belgian furniture company. When I asked about current trends in the interior design industry, she explained “We don’t do trends. We will use the special decor pieces the client already has, and work with them to choose other items that compliment their personal style..a style that will look good for many years. We can also design the interior of a new build home from start to finish, working with the builder and architect to be sure the space functions well with the decor plans of the buyer”. One very important feature of using a locally based designer as compared to a big box chain store: Jean-Anne and Mark have similar prices yet offer much better quality and selection with their items, plus “white glove service”, meaning everything is delivered to your home and properly placed and set up inside rather than dropped at the front door. And if you are looking for some decorating inspiration, sign up for SID LIFE on the website, a weekly journal of inspiration.

You are invited to stop by Sid & Company and browse the store anytime; they are open Monday through Friday 10am-5pm or Saturdays by appointment.

Inside Brookside (And Waldo)

What's Happening In Brookside and Waldo (Kansas City, Missouri)

Category Archives: Waldo Community News