Musically Merriam

“Music gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination, and life to everything.” – PLATO MUSICALLY MERRIAM

Merriam is no stranger to hosting heart-thumping music performances and is quickly becoming an “on-the-map” destination for all things music. From live concerts, festivals, and events, to local venue lineups – stay “tuned” to learn just how musical Merriam can be!

CLASSICAL CREATIONS AT K.C. STRINGS VIOLIN SHOP | 5842 MERRIAM DRIVE Envisioning creating a world-class violin shop in Kansas City, Misha and Anton Krutz officially opened the doors of K.C. Strings in downtown Merriam in 1992. Serving the needs of the string community, K.C. Strings offers one of the largest selections of instruments in all price ranges within the Midwest. From repair to custom instrument orders, lessons to retail sales – even group tours – this little shop is one to see and hear!

FARMERS’ MARKET FRESH SESH | 5740 MERRIAM DRIVE Looking for a lite version of live music? The Merriam Farmers’ Market brings entertainment to the marketplace each Saturday in May through September. From string trios to one-person gigs, chef demos to storytime tellers, there’s more than fruits and veggies at Merriam Marketplace during the summer!

TURKEY CREEK FESTIVAL | MAY 16 | ANTIOCH PARK This annual start-to-summer festival features all things family friendly and provides rotating musicians on two stages in the park throughout the day. Start at the Lions Club pancake breakfast, then make your way through the park to enjoy kids inflatables, petting zoo, craft vendors, carnival-inspired eats and treats, and, of course, live music performances! Because what's better than a corndog, cotton candy, balloons, and live music?

TURKEY CREEK CAR & MOTORCYCLE SHOW | SEPTEMBER 12 | 5740 MERRIAM DRIVE Tunes are playing non-stop during this display of classic cars, trucks, hot rods, and bikes along Merriam Drive. This annual event brings car and automotive enthusiasts from across the Midwest together while a DJ shares a great playlist for all ages.

MERRIAM DRIVE LIVE | OCTOBER 3 | 5740 MERRIAM DRIVE The newest kid on the musical block, Merriam Drive Live is now in its third year of blending music with a beer garden-type atmosphere. This day-long music fest kicks off before noon and continues with music performances throughout the day on two stages. Pack for the day and be sure to enjoy the food truck menu offerings, cold beer, and good times on Merriam Drive! Visit merriam.org/MDL for the live music lineup.

AFTERSHOCK | 5240 MERRIAM DRIVE This popular nightclub venue brings acts from across the country to perform, and it’s always a packed house. From rock to hip hop, heavy metal to all genres of music, Aftershock welcomes new musicians regularly to its location.

Insider Tips To Enjoy The Music

Check the lineup ahead of time. Merriam typically offers a varying lineup of musicians at each event, so all musical tastes can be accommodated.

Enjoy the scenery. Whether at the marketplace, a local park, or the downtown street scene, take in your beautiful surroundings. Unplug and be present for the entertainment.

Make a date out of your musical event – pack a picnic, grab a quick walk on the trail, dance under the stars!

Pack the necessities – bug spray and sunscreen, water, a blanket or lawn chairs are the perfect music fest take alongs.

MERRIAM COMMUNITY CENTER Opening Summer 2020!

The Merriam Community Center opens this summer! Featuring indoor and outdoor pools, fitness center, full-size gymnasium, and meeting facilities, there’s something to do for everyone.

Check it out: 6040 Slater St.

Merriam's newest piece of public art will greet visitors to the Merriam Community Center.

Amenities include: ▶ Walking/jogging track ▶ Full-size gymnasium ▶ Fitness center ▶ Group exercise classroom ▶ Multi-purpose classroom ▶ Meeting and event space with capacity for up to 250-people ▶ Outdoor aquatics, featuring: eight 25-meter lap lanes, two diving boards, zero-depth entry, splash and play features, shade structures, and on-deck concession cart ▶ Indoor aquatics, featuring: four 25-yard lap lanes, tall slide and family slide, lazy river, zero-depth entry, splash and play features, and therapy pool ▶ Art gallery ▶ Child watch ▶ Lounge area ▶ Catering kitchen ▶ Two birthday party rooms ▶ Outdoor courtyard event and gathering space ▶ Free social gathering spaces with WiFi

LEARN MORE: Visit merriam.org/buildingcommunity.

  Artist Blessing Hancock engaged the community to create meaningful text that will be incorporated across the sculpture's surface.

FARMERS’ MARKET FRESH

One-on-One with Ingrid Berg Recreation Coordinator, Merriam Parks & Recreation

The Merriam Marketplace opened in 2001 and has served as the Merriam Farmers’ Market home ever since. Named a Nextdoor “Neighborhood Favorite” every year since 2017, spending Saturday morning at the market is a summertime staple. With up to 36 vendors each week, easy access from I-35, and plenty of parking, the market is an easy choice for stocking up on the freshest bounty.

WHAT TO EXPECT AT THE MARKET The market runs the first Saturday in May to the last Saturday in September with vendors ranging from locally grown produce to homemade jams and jellies to handmade fly fishing lures and flies. Toe tapping, live music starting at 10 a.m. each Saturday, plus a variety of kids activities (face painting, planting a take-home flower pot, food fear factor games) on select weekends. EXTRA TREAT You can hop on the Turkey Creek Streamway Trail right across the pedestrian bridge and go for a stroll. There’s also a wonderful sculpture “Planting the Seeds” that is a perfect spot for selfies. MORE EVENTS AT THE MARKETPLACE The Marketplace is also home to several special events such as Flags 4 Freedom, Turkey Creek Car & Motorcycle Show, Merriam Drive Live, and Halloween Happenings.

INGRID’S MUST BUY MARKET FINDS

Fresh Flowers A big bouquet of flowers from Backyard Blossoms.

Soap + Honey Beeswax soap and fresh honey from Nowachek Apiaries.

Veggies! Delicious, local, seasonal produce.

PARKS & Trails

Recharge your spirit as you explore hundreds of acres of tranquil parkland and miles of peaceful trails. The great outdoors welcomes you!

Waterfall Park

Featured Park: Waterfall Park is named for its most prominent natural feature within Turkey Creek – a beautiful cascading waterfall. The park offers an observation area, picnic tables and grill, soccer fields, swings, and a playground for the kiddos. An anchor point of the popular Turkey Creek Streamway Trail, walkers and bikers alike can connect to three more Merriam parks by heading south on the trail.

Did you know? The soccer fields are named after Julius McFarlin, the first African-American elected to public office in Johnson County. He served from 1973–2000 as Ward 1 Councilmember in Merriam.

Merriam Parks Open sunrise to sunset ANTIOCH PARK 6501 Antioch Road BROWN MEMORIAL PARK 5040 Booker Drive CAMPBELL PARK 9674 W. 61st Street CHATLAIN PARK 6300 Carter Avenue MERRIAM HISTORIC PLAZA 6304 E. Frontage Road MERRIAM MARKETPLACE 5740 Merriam Drive QUAIL CREEK PARK 7024 Grandview Avenue TURKEY CREEK STREAMWAY TRAIL 75th Street to Antioch Road WATERFALL PARK 5191 Merriam Drive WERNER PARK 5750 Merriam Drive

Hmmm...

The sculpture “Hmmm…,” designed by Colorado artist Joshua Weiner, was created as a playful exploration of place-making and identity. Greeting visitors to Waterfall Park, this nine-foot tall caterpillar stands next to a 12-foot cairn (a stack of granite river boulders) with a butterfly perched on top.

HAVE some Fun!

Go, see, and explore all things fun across Merriam! With attractions for all ages, plan a day of play in our city.

Kids Tourism Kit

Moms and dads aren’t the only people we see at the Visitors Bureau. That’s why we created the “Kids Tourism Kit” – packed with fun games, coloring pages, a free gift, and kid-approved contents for the littles!

24 | 2020 Merriam Community & Visitor Guide Planting the Seeds

AFTERSHOCK LIVE MUSIC VENUE 5240 Merriam Drive | 913. 384.5646

ANTIOCH PARK – DODGE TOWN 6501 Antioch Road | 913.831.3359

CINEMARK THEATRES 5500 Antioch Road | 913.789.7038

HAPPY FEET SOCCER 9701 W. 67th St. | 913.851.9898

HMMM... SCULPTURE 5191 Merriam Drive

MERRIAM COMMUNITY CENTER 6040 Slater St. | 913.322.5550 MERRIAM HISTORIC PLAZA 6304 E. Frontage Road | 913.403.8999 Opening summer 2020!

MERRIAM INTERACTIVE HISTORY TOUR Download the Otocast app!

MOTHERHOOD SCULPTURE 6304 E. Frontage Road | 913.403.8999

PLANTING THE SEEDS SCULPTURE 5740 Merriam Drive

SKATE CITY 9800 W. 62nd Terrace | 913.262.0711

STILL TIME SCULPTURE Johnson & Merriam Drives

TIM MURPHY ART GALLERY 5701 Merriam Drive (6040 Slater St. begining in June) | 913.322.5550

VIETNAM VETERANS WAR MEMORIAL Antioch Park, 6501 Antioch Road | 913.831.3359

Find more fun online at exploremerriam.com

SHOP & Save Looking for tucked away quaint boutiques or a big blue and yellow retailer? Merriam offers just the right blend of shopping along I-35.

3 WISHES 5031 Merriam Drive Paintings, books, pottery, musical instruments, jewelry, and more. DOWNTOWN MERRIAM Johnson Drive & Merriam Drive Boutiques, restaurants, automotive, specialty stores, and more. GEMINI 5807A Merriam Drive Located right on Merriam Drive, this new shop offers holistic products and energy readings, crystals, salt lamps, and more! Perfect for the zen you’ve been looking for. HOBBY LOBBY 5945 IKEA Way Arts and crafts materials, party supplies, fabric, and home-decor. IKEA MERRIAM 6000 IKEA Way Scandinavian-inspired home furnishings, accessories, and decor. MERRIAM TOWN CENTER Johnson Drive & Antioch Road Old Navy, Marshalls, Famous Footwear, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Party City, Office Max, PetSmart, Home Depot, restaurants, movie theater, and more. MIXTURE 9325 W. 53rd St. The new Mixture outlet – featuring products in dozens of satisfying scents – is a delight to the senses. RUSSELL STOVER CANDIES 10100 Shawnee Mission Parkway Chocolate, handmade confections, and ice cream. SHUT UP & FLY 5911 Merriam Drive Vintage treasures, handmade items, and repurposed finds. STRAWBERRY HILL POVITICA 7226 W. Frontage Road Handmade European sweet bread offered at this favorite Merriam bakery-serving free samples daily.

Mixture Outlet Now Open

We’ve hoped and dreamed for years that Mixture would open a tiny little retail space in the warehouse, and it’s finally here! This favorite made-inMerriam product line is now available to the public Monday-Friday from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at 9325 W. 53rd St.

STAY the Night

Traveling for work or planning to spend a little leisure time with the family? Rest your head in Merriam – the nicely appointed rooms, plentiful amenities, and convenient location in the metro are Just Right!

5-Star Lodging

“We selected the Drury Inn as our team hotel for a soccer tournament in the area. This hotel was by far the most organized location we’ve ever been to for a team check-in. They had all of the rooms assigned and a key card ready to go for every player on the team before we even arrived. During our stay, they were so helpful and accommodating. The customer service was excellent.“ – RENEE H., DRURY INN & SUITES GUEST

DRURY INN & SUITES 9009 Shawnee Mission Parkway | 913.236.9200 | druryhotels.com Free hot breakfast, free 5:30 p.m. kickback snacks, free Wi-Fi, free soda and popcorn (3–10 p.m.), free long distance and local calls, free parking, new indoor pool and fitness center, business center, guest laundry, pet-friendly, and same-day dry cleaning available.

EXTENDED STAY AMERICA 6451 E. Frontage Road | 913.236.6006 | extendedstay.com Fully equipped kitchen/suite rooms, onsite laundry, pet-friendly, internet access, free grab-n-go breakfast, and 100% smoke-free.

HAMPTON INN & SUITES 7400 W. Frontage Road | 913.722.0800 | hamptoninn.com Hot buffet breakfast, free Wi-Fi, indoor pool and hot tub, onsite guest laundry, same-day laundry service, and 24-hour coffee bar. Suites, adjoining rooms, and meeting room also available.

QUALITY INN 6401 E. Frontage Road | 913.262.2622 | qualityinn.com Deluxe continental breakfast, business center, pet-friendly, 100% non-smoking, free parking, high speed internet, and seasonal outdoor pool.

WALNUT GROVE RV PARK 10218 Johnson Drive | 913.262.3023 | walnutgroverv.com Free Wi-Fi, free coffee, ATM available, RV store, vending machines, Good Sam Park, military discounts, hot showers, clean restrooms, full hook-up sites, laundromat, dump station, petfriendly, 20/30/50 amp sites, mail forward, community room, copies, and notary public.

DINE & Sip

Whether a hearty breakfast or the popular late-night fourth meal, there’s no shortage of dining options in Merriam. From dine-in to delivery, you’ll never go hungry here!

ANITA’S CUISINE 5816 Merriam Drive BILSKI’S BAR & GRILL 5831 Merriam Drive CARIBOU COFFEE 8722 Shawnee Mission Parkway CHILI’S 5880 Antioch Road CHINA GARDEN BUFFET 5860 Antioch Road DENNY’S 9001 Shawnee Mission Parkway DOMINO’S PIZZA 10240 W. 75th Street EL PULGARCITO 5921 Merriam Drive FREDDY’S FROZEN CUSTARD & STEAKBURGERS 8817 Shawnee Mission Parkway GEORGETOWN PHARMACY & SODA SHOP 5605 Merriam Drive HURRICANE ALLIE’S 5541 Merriam Drive IHOP 5870 Antioch Road

IKEA RESTAURANT 6000 IKEA Way JACK IN THE BOX 9101 Johnson Drive JIMMY JOHN’S 5935 IKEA Way KC’S NEIGHBORHOOD BAR & GRILL 10201 W. 47th Street KRISPY KREME 8805 Shawnee Mission Parkway LONG JOHN SILVER’S / A&W 9900 Shawnee Mission Parkway MCDONALD’S 8915 Johnson Drive PEGAH’S 8701 Shawnee Mission Parkway QT KITCHEN 9025 Johnson Drive SONIC DRIVE-IN 5440 Merriam Drive SUBWAY 8801 Johnson Drive TACO BELL 5930 IKEA Way WENDY’S 10006 W. 75th Street

Bilski’s

From the daily specials to the Polish Pierogi, Bilski’s is the spot to grab a quick bite, enjoy happy hour with friends, or watch the big game! We recommend the fried pork tenderloin with fries and an ice-cold beer!

MEETINGS and Groups

If you’ve got a group, we’ve got a tour! Check out our tour itinerary for large groups at exploremerriam.com/tour.

Tour

Meet in Merriam

Looking for meeting space in the metro? Merriam’s the perfect fit for small- to medium-size functions, including corporate trainings, board meetings, staff retreats, sales presentations, planning sessions, and more!

With rates starting at only $40 per hour, Merriam Historic Plaza offers convenience to all of Kansas City with open catering, free Wi-Fi, affordable rates, and a friendly and helpful staff to assist you. Call to schedule a site tour today or learn more at exploremerriam.com/meet.

Just a quick note to say thank you for a variety packed mystery tour! The gang liked the whole element of ‘who knew?’ which was just what I was hoping for! Thank you for holding our hand every step of the way and making us feel welcome and special!

PATTI B. Good to Go with Patti Beth

Schedule a Tour...

Strawberry Hill Povitica

K.C. Strings Violin Shop

Mixture GuitarLamp

THE RETURN OF THE Sunshine Scavenger Hunt May 1 – September 30

Did you say something? Hmmm, I bet you said you love beautiful, sculptural insect art. 1

Bring on the Just Right sunshine! Starting May 1, Merriam will launch the Sunshine Scavenger Hunt for the summer. You can seek and find seven sunshines all across town. It’s easy to play along – follow these clues and look for the sunshine sign. Check off your sunshines and have fun exploring all that Merriam has to offer!

2The Seasons of Merriam painted with love from our dear friend Charlie Goslin.

Hop, step, and play – but don’t fall in! Skip across the stones, and you’ll be at the end. 4

Across the bridge from kids at play, this marker tells the story of the Quaker Days. 5

Grab a postcard or a referral from staff – we’ve even got a historic walking path. 3

Jump on the north or south end to enjoy this paved path meandering alongside a special little creek. 6

7

This new space offers recreation, fitness, and everything cool – you can even dip a toe in the pool. (Opens Summer 2020)

exploremerriam.com | 29 Snap a pic and tag @ExploreMerriam on . Who knows, maybe the Merriam sunshine squad will pick your pic and send you a sunshiney surprise! Learn more at exploremerriam.com/sunshine.

Merriam residents LOVE our city – from eating at a flavorful restaurant and visiting our local parks to enjoying our annual hanging flower baskets in the summer and shopping at one-of-a-kind stores – there’s always something to see or do in our Just Right city. Local Love

Want a great place to eat? Lisa Feinberg says you must go to Anita’s Cuisine (5816 Merriam Drive) for its El Salvadorian breakfast burrito: “My husband has a sincere love of breakfast burritos. One Saturday morning order was all it took for him to become a regular Saturday customer. All of their food is delicious (not just the chorizo breakfast burritos), and everything they prepare is made with care and served by staff that extends familial warmth and hospitality to their customers.”

Gemini store owner Sheila Laureen loves to eat at another El Salvadorian place called El Pulgarcito (5921 Merriam Drive). “The tamales are wrapped in banana leaves that makes them spectacularly moist. The pupusas are awesome and the service is quick and friendly. It’s a fun and clean place to eat in Merriam.”

Family Owned Another local favorite is Bilski’s Bar and Grill (5831 Merriam Drive). Julie Mott said the family-owned restaurant feels like coming home. “The food is amazing, home-cooked, and they use produce from their own garden. They are affordable and a staple in our community.”

Essential Shopping “I like IKEA (6000 IKEA Way) because it has furniture that fits smaller homes. They're catered to fit our needs. I don’t have to drive far to look and shop for my family’s home essentials.” – Michael McCoy.

Marketplace Must Jim Russell says a visit to Merriam Marketplace (5740 Merriam Drive) is a must! “It has an amazing array of events unique to Merriam year-round such as the weekly farmers’ market in summer, the Turkey Creek Car & Motorcycle Show each September, the awe-inspiring Flags 4 Freedom display with more than 1,500 flags and a Fourth of July concert, the beautiful reflecting seeds art sculpture, and Halloween and Christmas events, just to name a few. It’s a great place to take photos.”

Jim Russell

A Little Gem Nancy Yoakum calls her favorite local store, Gemini, (5807 Merriam Drive) a “little gem.” “Gemini has not only a wonderful assortment of gifts, it’s such a unique store that has beautiful crystals, jewelry, wind chimes, and so much more! She offers classes, and I’ve met some very nice people in the process. My favorite purchase is beautiful angel wind chimes that I have hanging on my back porch.”

PUBLIC ART

You can see Merriam’s distinctive public art all across the city. “I appreciate all the different public art and sculptures that make our community interesting, unique, and beautiful,” Kendall said. Picnic & Play Best park to visit? Anita Kendall said you need to head to Antioch Park (6501 Antioch Road). “Whether you want to have a picnic, have kids who need to spend some energy, walk a dog, or take a stroll (or run), it's very pretty and just the right size. We've seen several blue herons and other birds, which makes it a nice little gem of nature without having to go far. And, the playground town is the cutest thing ever!”

While touring the city, stop by the Merriam Community Center (6040 Slater St.) to see new public art when it opens this summer. "Our family loves being able to enjoy the public art in Merriam and are very much looking forward to the new pieces at the Merriam Community Center when it opens,” Staci Chivetta said. “We’re thankful that Merriam has such beautiful green spaces where we can enjoy being outside together."

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