Get Out!

On weekends and most Wednesdays throughout the summer, farmer's markets supply fresh, local produce and meats free of growth hormones and antibiotics. Besides helping you break out of your grocery-shopping rut, going to a farmer's market provides another chance to explore other parts of town. There's one at the City Market at Fifth Street and Walnut, another in old Overland Park at Santa Fe Drive and 79th Street, a third in Brookside at Border Star Elementary School at 61st Street and Wornall, and markets at area Hen House supermarkets.

Yikes, what a hard sell — but we'll try. On August 3, five bucks buys you entry to the best block party in town: the Pitch Music Showcase. We know that thousands of you already attend this annual band-watching marathon, but anyone who hasn't should mark his or her datebook now. You'll see tons of the city's best musical talent, all for one low price, with the venues conveniently located within staggering distance of one another. Go ahead, accuse us of shameless self-promotion. You'll thank us on the morning of August 4.

September: Go outside of the usual music stomping grounds.

OK, so last month we directed you to Westport, where you got up to speed on KC's music scene at the Pitch Music Showcase. And whereas much of the city's music obviously gets played in downtown and midtown clubs, bands from across the metro and beyond can be found playing at suburban clubs such as Jerry's Bait Shop (13412 West Santa Fe Trail Drive in Olathe, 913-894-9676) and the Lucky Brewgrille (5401 Johnson Drive in Mission, 913-403-8571) and the 3rd Street Pub in Lee's Summit (17 Southwest Third Street, 816-246-0123). October: Do not miss the American Royal for the 10th year in a row.

The American Royal is a big deal. People from all over the country trailer their big-time performance horses and hardcore steers to our town for six solid weeks of competition. And this party ain't just for cowboys — the Royal hosts an eclectic array of events, including exhibition Mexican bullfights, an Olympic-caliber Grand Prix jump-off, scary bull riding, concerts by top musical acts, and badass performances by rodeo-girl barrel racers.

November: Throw away that cold medicine.

As soon as cold season hits, everyone starts popping pills. But this year, we're taking advantage of healthier holistic options. The 40-plus acupuncture clinics in and around KC provide one option, but if needles make you squeamish, noninvasive therapy can be found at the NAET Treatment Center in Mission (913-432-4477). NAET stands for Nambudripad's Allergy Elimination Technique, but this clinic addresses a range of health issues, including food and environmental allergies, viruses and even autism. Its approach is involved and extensive but well worth the time and wait.

December: Visit a botanical garden in the dead of winter.

The warm months aren't the only time to visit Powell Gardens, east of Kansas City (1609 Northwest Missouri Highway 50 in Kingsville, 816-697-2600). This botanical garden is alive in a different way every December, when the garden paths glow with hundreds of luminiaria. The chance to stroll through this winter-wonderland display comes once a year for two nights, usually the second weekend in December. After the magical walk, warm up with a stop at the gourmet bread and soup bar Café Thyme.