Summertime in Kansas City

Jenee Osterheldt is one of my favorite local columnists, a transplant from the South, who loves Kansas City. This is Jenee's column from today's "Kansas City Star", entitled "Your KC Summer Bucket List", which describes a few of the many interesting summer activities in Kansas City.

"Kansas City may not have any ocean beaches, but summer is something our city does well.

Think about it. We’ve got frosty treats (Hello, Murray’s), Shakespeare in the Park and water parks (try Schlitterbahn). Seriously, we have enough aquatic playgrounds to almost make up for the fact that we’re landlocked.

And some things we do, like First Fridays, are simply better in the warmer weather. But don’t count on sunny days to last forever.

Fourth of July is upon us, and if we don’t enjoy the season now, autumn will fall on our heads before we know it.

I don’t consider us a cowtown, but we have to milk this summer for all it’s worth. Here are a few things to add to your summer bucket list:

•Ice cream — There’s been talk of Popsicles being the new cupcake. But I say nothing can replace my favorite baked treat, especially if you’ve ever been to Babycakes. Still, with all the ice cream boutiques popping up in the metro area, I’d say ice cream is on a mission.

Christopher Elbow’s gourmet ice cream shop Glacé, 4960 Main St., wants to take taste buds on an adventure — French lavender, salted pretzel and caramelized banana are just a few of the flavors. Go to www.glaceicecream .com to figure out which sweet escapade is for you.

•Outdoor movies — Of course “The Twilight Saga: Eclipse” is mandatory for some of us. But Ink’s dating diva, Pamela Spencer, says a new summer romance could be off to a bright beginning with an outdoor movie. It’s free, fun and as simple as a couple of lawn chairs and your crush. Our city offers a variety of venues, from Crown Center to the City Market to the Central Library. Our pick? “Pretty in Pink,” this Friday at Crown Center (www.crowncenter .com). Showtime at 9 p.m.

•Theatre in the Park — Whether you’re more of an Annie or a Cinderella, Theatre in the Park has it all. Michael Wimbs, a Kansas City Realtor, knows all about what the metro has to offer in the way of entertainment. He says this is a summer must.

“It’s one of those laid back, fun, simple times,” he says. “You can enjoy the best of summer — picnics, great performances under the stars, family and friends.” Visit www.theatrein thepark.org for a performance schedule.

•Eat local — This should be a year-round goal. But summer is the season of farmers markets. And some things, like peaches and watermelon, are meant for these hot days. I like to get Shatto milk and fresh gerbera daisies at the City Market. But there are dozens of farmers markets in the metro, like the recently opened Gladstone farmers market, 525 N.E. 70th St., open 7 a.m. to noon on Saturdays and 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Wednesdays. For a list of more farmers markets, visit www.kansascity.com/living/food."

Great column, Jenee. You have confirmed what I have been saying all along - Kansas City is both a fun and interesting place to live - and to visit. So, what lodging accommodations can best allow you to enjoy all that Kansas City has to offer as well as comfortable rooms with lots of amenities, fresh baked goods every afternoon, a luscious breakfast, spacious parking area, a swimming pool, a movie theater and a beautiful county lake right around the corner? That would be Su Casa B&B, of course.

Lois Hoover, Innkeeper
Su Casa Bed and Breakfast
Kansas City, Mo.
816-965-5647

Guest Computer Center Available at Su Casa Bed and Breakfast

Su Casa B&B has recently added a guest computer center as an amenity. We are amazed at the popularity of this guest convenience. The inn already offers free WiFi throughout the inn, and the majority of guests bring a laptop or a cell phone with internet capabilities. Yet almost every guest since the computer center was installed in February, has been unable to resist the urge to sit down at the desktop computer for one reason or another. Even guests who are loyal to their laptops may need to print something out. Documents that may need to be printed incude airline boarding passes, directions to one of Kansas City's many wonderful attractions, or even listings for houses if guests are considering moving to the Kansas City area. So while guests may seek us out because our setting is one which gives the feeling of being in the country, but is just minutes from the many great attractions and events, none of that seems to negate the need for electronic conveniences.

Lois Hoover, Innkeeper
Su Casa B&B
Kansas City, Mo.

Breakfast at Su Casa B&B

Breakfast at a bed and breakfast seems to be largely misunderstood. Many first-time inngoers are under the impression that they will have no input, they will be forced to eat food that provokes their allergies, they will be required to eat with strangers with nothing to say to each other, resulting in uncomfortable silence, and that another stranger - the innkeeper - will come to the table and put a very small portion of some strange food in front of them and then leave. Thankfully, none of the above ideas are true now, if in fact they ever were.

At Su Casa B&B, we make a concerted effort to cook and serve a breakfast that all guests will enjoy. Each guest is asked at the time the reservation is confirmed, to inform the innkeeper of any food allergies, dislikes and preferences, and again when they arrive. Many guests do this gladly. There are some who are reluctant to say, for one reason or the other. They may think they are being too much trouble if they say they do not care for pancakes or for eggs. The outcome is that the innkeeper arises at 6 a.m. and begins cooking what she believes will be a breakfast that will make her guests happy. Most dishes are prepared from scratch. She may take the time, for example, to make home-made cinnamon rolls only to be told at breakfast that the guests do not eat cinnamon rolls. Another example is asking guests if they like fresh fruit. And going a step farther, asking if there is any fruit they do NOT like to eat. Everyone responds that they love all kinds of fresh fruit. The next morning, a creative and beautiful fresh fruit dish is served and guests do not eat it. Please keep in mind that when the innkeeper asks what you like to eat or do not like to eat, she is doing this for herself (and her budget) as much as for the guest. There are so many hundreds of breakfast dishes that may be created and served that it is quite easy at a small inn like Su Casa B&B to ask all the guests what they do or do not like to eat, then to decide what best to serve to accommodate everyone. The one exception may be if there is one or two persons out of six guests or so who wants a small, healthy breakfast like cereal or oatmeal and nothing else. The innkeeper is very happy to accommodate such a simple request.

As to eating breakfast with strangers, people quickly find a non-controversial topic that everyone is interested in whether it be sports or raising children or dogs or travel. In the nearly eleven years that Su Casa B&B has been open, only a handful of people, usually newlyweds, have asked to have breakfast in their room. The rooms are not outfitted with tables and chairs for dining, but guests are welcome to take their breakfast to their room and eat on wooden tray tables if they wish. In the summer, two of the three rooms have a private deck overlooking the pool, with tables and chairs. Also, poolside breakfasts are quite popular in the summer. Out of necessity, a breakfast at any location other than the large dining table will usually be be a one-plate breakfast rather than the elaborate family-style breakfast that is offered in the dining room.

All allergies and food preferences are taken into account when the innkeeper is advised in advance of the stay. Because the grocery shopping is already completed by the time the guest arrives, check-in is not the time to let the innkeeper know of something you must have.

Finally, guests are not required to partake of Su Casa's breakfast at all if they do not wish to. But they are required to show up at the table at the agreed upon time. If guests come in late, after a concert or a night on the town, and know they will not be able to or not want to get up early enough for breakfast, all that is required is a simple note left for the innkeeper, "no breakfast for us". The innkeeper will understand and respect that request, will adjust her portions accordingly, and everyone will be happy. Please visit the Su Casa B&B Facebook page for pictures and a photo album of a few of our breakfast dishes.


Lois Hoover
Innkeeper, Su Casa B&B

The Glamorous Life of the Innkeeper at Su Casa Bed and Breakfast

Ask any innkeeper what question is most frequently asked by guests and you will get the same answer. "What made you decide to open a bed and breakfast?" We can pretty much guarantee when a guest steps across our threshold that some time before the end of their stay, they will ask this burning question. The answers provided by innkeepers across the world, may vary greatly depending on the individual, the location, and the size of the inn. My own answer actually varies depending on the events of that particular day. :)

Another innkeeper once told me that she was sitting at the computer in her office, part of the house that was private and not designated for guests. She was busily working away when she heard a voice, "What are YOU doing at the computer?" Now granted this was a few years ago, but by that time computers were already being used for pretty much everything. Apparently the guest, who had wandered into the private area and found the innkeeper's office, was amazed that the innkeeper would be doing anything other than cooking or cleaning.

So what exactly do innkeepers do? And why are guests so fascinated with our profession? As I mentioned above, the answer to the first question definitely depends on the size of the inn. My inn is a small one with only three guest rooms. But because it sits on five acres with farm animals and includes an outdoor swimming pool, an in-home movie theater, a guest kitchen and game room, a deck that extends nearly the entire length of the house in back, and a private hot tub room for one of the guest rooms, my responsibilities as innkeeper extend far beyond cooking and cleaning. In addition, I do most of the work myself. When there is something that I cannot or do not have time to do, I hire a contractor.

Here are just a few of my many hats at Su Casa B&B. (note: all titles are strictly self-designated and for your amusement) Welcoming Committee Chair, Executive Chef, Pastry Chef, Chief Housekeeper, Head Purchasing Agent, Contract Officer, Master Gardener, Interior Decorator, Number One Electronics Expert, Social Planner, Pool Supervisor, Fire Marshall, Theater Manager, Computer Operator, Marketing Director, Website Coordinator, Reservations Specialist, Chairperson in Charge of Recycling, Traffic Director, Head Photographer, Tourism & Hospitality Officer, Guest Relations Officer, Food Allergy and We-don't-eat-that Compliance Officer, and most recently Head Blogger and Social Media Marketing Director.

Would I do it all over again? You bet I would. Eleven years and still going strong (some days stronger than others). What is the best part about it? I am the Captain of my ship! Nothing beats that.


Lois Hoover
Innkeeper
Su Casa B&B

Pet-friendly Accommodations at Su Casa B&B in Kansas City

Su Casa B&B has been pet-friendly since it first opened in 1999. People are always asking what is the definition of pet-friendly accommodations? The short answer is that dogs and well-behaved owners are welcome. That being said, both the inn and the inn's pet policies have changed over the years. Experience, as they say, is the greatest teacher. This year, carpets are being removed from all three guest rooms and laminate wood flooring is being installed, with area rugs in each room. This will make the inn even more pet-friendly and family-friendly.

Su Casa is a spacious ranch-style house, with three guest rooms. The Sedona Room is the smallest and coziest room. The floor space is limited, so for that reason it is a one-dog room. There is a small fee per dog per night, but there is no size limit. Actually, I have had a number of very large dogs in that room, which seems to work out just fine. The Santa Fe Room is more than twice the size of the Sedona Room. The Santa Fe is the room to request if you are traveling with multiple dogs or if you have a larger dog and would be more comfortable in a larger room. The third room is The Cancun Room. It is the most popular room because of the hot tub, but there is no access to the dog yard. If a group rents all three rooms, and guests can come and go through the Santa Fe Room, then access to the dog yard is possible and that room also becomes pet-friendly.

There is a large fenced-in area called the dog yard. That area is not just for guest dogs, as it is shared with the dogs of Su Casa, as well as dogs that are being fostered by the innkeeper for her dog rescue group. Guest dogs are welcome to run and exercise in the dog yard, and go potty in the dog yard, while supervised by their owners. However, the dog yard is not an area where dogs can hang out for long periods of time. Both the Sedona Room and the Santa Fe room have individual decks where their dogs are welcome to play and sun themselves. Gates on the individual decks should be kept closed for the safety and convenience of other dogs and other guests.

Guest dogs are also welcome to play in the tiled common area downstairs, as long as they are not interfering with the enjoyment of that area by other guests. Again, dogs should be in the company of, and under control by their owners at all times. Dogs will have the most freedom at Su Casa on a midweek stay. Weekends and holiday weekends can be dog-friendly if your party is renting all three rooms and bringing your dogs. The dogs in the picture above were playing the tug game in the downstairs common area, supervised by their owner, on a midweek stay. It was too cold and muddy to play outside, but they had a blast anyway!

Because dogs do not appreciate being taken to a strange place and then being left alone, guests should take their dogs with them when leaving the inn. If, because of extreme temperatures, this is not possible, dogs may remain in the rooms as long as they are crate-trained and in their crates. Clean, fresh dog beds are available, but guests are encouraged to bring their own dog bed so the dog will feel more comfortable.

What else is required in order to bring a dog to Su Casa B&B? Well, for starters, all dogs must be current in all their vaccinations, including bordatella. They should be on monthly heartworm and flea treatments. In the case of dogs coming from colder areas where fleas are less common, please see your vet to purchase prescription flea treatments before you leave on your vacation. Fleas are rampant in the midwest in the summertime, so be sure to protect your dog. Dogs, like their owners, should be bathed before visiting Su Casa. It is sometimes embarrassing to mention this to potential guests, but good dog owners understand its importance. Dogs who are not housetrained, not people-friendly, who bark incessantly, or who do not do well with other dogs are not good candidates for visiting a bed and breakfast. You will need to contact the innkeeper first, to inquire as to whether your dog is a good candidate for a visit. Those who do visit Kansas City and Su Casa B&B will have an enjoyable stay. In addition to your accommodations at Su Casa, there are a number of activities in and around Kansas City for you and your canine bff.

Lois Hoover
Innkeeper
Su Casa B&B

Why a Southwest Theme at a Kansas City Bed and Breakfast?

The question you and many others are probably asking is WHY? Why open a bed and breakfast in a house on five acres of fertile Missouri land, the heart of the Midwest, add ponies, miniature donkeys, llamas and other animals, and call it a Southwestern inn? To answer that question, you only need to look at the house itself. A large sprawling ranch house, that so obviously is NOT a mansion, or Victorian or Georgian or Antebellum or Colonial or Queen Anne or any of the other inns most people have seen or visited. The house beckoned to me 14 years ago from the very first moment I crested the slight hill and looked over at it, all spilled out on its large plot of ground and stuck in a residential area where you would least expect it. At the time, the hot decorating trend in the Midwest was called Country, consisting of lots of light blue hearts and flowers. No offense to anyone, but I really never warmed to that look. I love color! Lots of it - big beautiful bold color. The house was all white inside, with all beige carpeting - a blank slate in the way that realtors recommend to people trying to sell. It made me cringe. I could see the color wanting to come out and play.

With an undergraduate major in the cultures and subcultures of America, I love and respect the many different people that make up the American mosaic. In particular, I love the three cultures that compose the Great American Southwest. The first is the Old West, the second is Native America, and the third is Mexican or Latin American. These three cultures are rich in heritage, in the colors that are found in daily lives, in their culture through food and music and in so many other ways. The name of the inn literally rolled off my tongue soon after I became the proud owner of this "hacienda". I sometimes joke that the house actually named itself. Of the three guest rooms of Su Casa B&B, the decor of the Sedona Room represents the Old West, the Santa Fe Room represents Native America, and the Cancun Room represents the tropical feel of the Mexican Riviera. The decor for each room compliments its theme and character to an extent, but combines with the many modern amenities for which Su Casa B&B is well known, which now includes a guest computer center and free WiFi. Authentic Native American pottery purchased on my many trips to the West and the Southwest, artwork reflecting the Old West and its love for horses, sturdy Mexican furniture blended with modern jetted bathtubs, a hot tub, cozy electric fireplaces, comfortable bedding, a movie theater and swimming pool and colors that are represented in the beauty of the dessert and mountains of this amazing country of ours.
Lois Hoover
Innkeeper
Su Casa B&B

Kansas City Bed and Breakfast is Blogging!

Su Casa, a Kansas City Bed and Breakfast, is now blogging! Su Casa is a comfortable, pet-friendly inn which boasts such amenities as a pool, delicious breakfasts and cookies each evening.
Check back soon for more information about the inn and surrounding areas.