Gashland - Kansas City, MO

Gashland's origin begins with Joseph Gash and his family, who arrived in Clay County around 1822 and built the area's first log cabin along West Barry Road. Agriculture and mercantile businesses supported the community throughout the 19th century. Early industries including a stockyard and a lumberyard as well as the Gashland school system gave the community shape in the early 1900s, while suburban expansion in the late 1900s brought wealthy homeowners to the area.

Most residents interested in history visit the Jesse James Bank Museum. A little closer to home, the Line Creek Archaeology Museum showcases a life-size Hopewell Indian village diorama from 200 B.C. Blues fans from the area can discover one of the largest blues festivals at the Summertime Bluesfest, held in June at Oak Grove Park.

Kansas City residents appreciate the wide variety of fine-dining restaurants and locally-owned specialty eateries scattered throughout the city, many of which contribute to the city's acclaimed culinary reputation. Gashland is no different, and locals here can always find classic Americana and international fare right down the road.

Located on the North Oak Trafficway, Kate’s Kitchen reflects the neighborhood's value for fresh, high-quality ingredients and simple Americana dishes. Whether guests order the fried chicken for lunch or the crab cake Benedict for breakfast, Kate's Kitchen creates every dish from scratch. Locals generally come to Kate's for a hearty breakfast complete with scramblers, omelettes and the famed cinnamon rolls, though the Southwest wrap and the chicken fingers attract visitors from all over for lunch.

When searching for an international and unique fare based on British delicacies, the White Horse Pub serves up a modest British culinary repertoire contrasted with American classics. The fish and chips as well as the bangers and mash certainly meet British standards, and visitors here can also eat their fill of crispy chicken wings with a tandoori sauce or the famous Full Monty breakfast.

Combining Southern California surf-and-skate culture with a strong emphasis on healthy, organic ingredients, Longboards Wraps & Bowls stands as Gashland's go-to lunch and sandwich joint. From Hawaiian sliders to hot noodle bowls and much more, locals often frequent Longboards for its diverse selection that allows them to try something new every week. The Cabo beef and the pork luau grilled wraps stand as the stars of the show, though the Vietnamese bowl remains highly popular as well.

Despite its distance from the city center, Gashland supports a fairly exciting nightlife scene, where a blend of low-key sports bars and cocktail lounges gives locals something to do every night of the week. When drinking with friends and watching the game, most locals hit up the Brass Rail Bar & Grill or the Draft Pick Grill and Cantina, both of which feature large flat-screen televisions and a crowd of sports enthusiasts. The Brew Top on North Broadway Avenue carries the best happy hour specials in town, and the summer patio and live bands every weekend make this bar an ideal place for drinks with friends.

The Gashland neighborhood rests about 14 miles north of the downtown Kansas City area, and its location on the outskirts of the metropolis suburbs means that locals here need a car when getting around.

Whether commuting or running errands in the downtown area, car owners can jump on the Arrowhead Trafficway and head south. With moderate traffic, commuters should be able to reach Kansas City in about 25 to 30 minutes. Missouri Route 152 runs in an east-west direction, enabling instant access to nearby interstates, including Interstate 29 to the west and Interstate 35 to the east. Although most apartment buildings include spacious driveways and parking lots, locals can always expect to find free, curbside parking.

Spacious and flat streets throughout Gashland encourage locals to use their bicycles more often. In addition to abundant sidewalks catering to the neighborhood's joggers and walkers, Gashland also features some bike lanes. Courteous drivers and minimal traffic foster a culture of safe biking.

When looking for a ride, locals should not expect to simply hail a taxi from the curb, as Kansas City taxis rarely roam the Gashland area. Instead, call ahead to book a ride or take advantage of ride-sharing services such as Uber. The KCATA regional bus agency services Gashland with Route 37x, which picks up passengers along the North Oak Trafficway and near Romey Hills Park.

Hidden within the rows of Gashland's cultivated housing developments, a wide assortment of neighborhood parks promotes an active culture founded on abundant outdoor recreation opportunities.

Willow Brooke Park, located off Northeast 96th Street, introduces residents to an unspoiled forest area, and many children take advantage of it for hikes and play. Just to the east of Willow Brooke Park, the Maplewood Greenway hosts 103 acres of flat, well-cultivated green space ideal for jogging, soccer, playing catch and other activities.

Immediately south of Gashland, Bridge Point Park features the most popular trail in the area. The Happy Rock Trail follows along Shoal Creek through Bridge Point Park before passing through Happy Rock Park to the southeast. Some parts of this trail are paved, and locals can often find this trail populated by joggers, bicyclists, inline skaters and other fitness enthusiasts.

The city does allow dogs in city parks, though owners must keep their lovable pets on a leash at all times. Gashland dog owners can let their pets run free at the Bolo's Indoor Dog Park, located on North Prospect Avenue. For an outdoor dog park, head to Waggin' Trail Park near Kansas City's Waterworks Park. Dog lovers and fitness enthusiasts can come together near Gashland for the annual Woofstock 1-mile dog walk and 5-kilometer run. This annual event occurs in Zona Rosa to the west of Gashland, and all Woofstock proceeds benefit the Northland Animal Welfare Society.

The cost of living in Gashland runs slightly higher than Kansas City averages, though residents can save on food and services. The median rent for a one-bedroom residence generally costs around $700 a month.

Traveling to the city center via KCATA costs $1.50 for a one-way trip, and car owners in the area often pay about 7 percent less than national averages on gas. A pint of beer at local pubs requires about $3.

As a community development area fairly far from downtown Kansas City, Gashland has grown to support its own high-end and boutique shopping environment. From expansive shopping malls to locally owned boutiques, locals here never have to travel too far when looking for both brand-name goods and authentic eccentricities.

Zona Rosa is the largest and most popular shopping mall near Gashland. This expansive center features everything from a comedy club and dinner theater to attractive chain retailers such as Barnes & Noble, Dillard's, Dick's Sporting Goods, and many more. In addition to its variety of shops, Zona Rosa offers several restaurants and the Kansas City Improv Comedy Club and Dinner Theater.

Reptile and pet lovers in the Gashland area can visit Miles of Exotics for a massive selection of pet supplies. Known as one of the largest pet stores in the city, Miles of Exotics carries bunnies, several species of exotic and domestic fish, hamsters, birds and more. More importantly, the enthusiastic and knowledgeable staff teach local children about various animals and help educate pet owners about proper feeding and health matters.

Gashland residents have several options when stocking up on brand name groceries as well as organic fruits and vegetables. Price Chopper on Northeast Barry Road carries the largest inventory of both fresh foods as well as affordable kitchen staples. Just south of Gashland, Aldi serves the neighborhood with produce, meats and dairy products at discounted prices. For organic fruits and vegetables as well as sustainable meats straight from the countryside, locals can take the 5-mile trip along Missouri Route 152 to find Sprouts Farmers Market. This chain farmers market remains open year-round and collaborates with local farmers to provide the most natural foods around.