Best Way to Learn Something New About Kansas City

Did you know Kansas City got its name (originally "Town of Kansas") because founders couldn't think of anything better? (They rejected "Rabbitville" and "Possumtrot.") If you'd like to learn more fascinating historical nuggets about your city but never seem to get around to borrowing that Kansas City history tome from the library, try taking one of the Historic Kansas City Foundation's Heritage Hikes. Available through UMKC's Communiversity program, the hikes take place on three afternoons, each focusing on a different historical neighborhood -- the Town of Kansas, the Village of Westport and Quality Hill. The history-buff guides provide maps and ply tour takers with colorful anecdotes about KC's history and architecture, and everyone gets a workout. Much more fun than sitting on the couch with a book.