Willow Creek - Kansas City, MO

Like most suburbs of Kansas City, Willow Creek was first settled by Native American tribes until European settlers moved into the area. This neighborhood used to be farm land very similar to the W.A. Rule farm that turned into nearby Oakwood Country Club southeast of Willow Creek.

Many of the houses in this subdivision were built in the 1950s when people settled into domestic life away from the factories of World War II. St. Joseph Medical Center, to the southwest of Willow Creek, has anchored this part of town for decades.

Many cultural activities revolve around local schools and churches. Holmeswood Baptist Church showcases local artists and vendors with its holiday market in early November. Proceeds from booth fees benefit the church's missions and youth.

Two national chain restaurants sit on the southwestern edge of Willow Creek at Wornall Road and 103rd Street. Travel further west along 103rd to find a bar, fast food choices, local restaurants and casual dining options. One nearby, upscale eatery has live music Wednesday through Saturday.

Thai House, on Holmes Road, creates authentic Thai cuisine using fresh ingredients. Chefs mix in some American favorites on the menu as well. Thai House touts its membership in Thai Select, a program instituted by the government of Thailand to ensure authenticity. Mint beef salad comes with marinated, grilled beef tossed with greens, herbs, tomatoes, Thai chilies and cucumbers. Roasted duck gets sauteed in ginger sauce with shiitake mushrooms and baby bok choy. If you love curry spices, five different specialties expound on Thai favorites with different types of curry. For healthier options, order from the vegetarian portion of the menu.

Charlie D's Seafood & Chicken, on 99th Street in the heart of Willow Creek, serves huge portions to hungry customers every time. The catfish sliders represent a real treat, and you can't beat the laid-back atmosphere or the country-style cooking. Sides include fried okra, huge fries, and mac and cheese. Check out the tilapia, shrimp, cod and snapper. If it swims in the sea, you can find at Charlie D's. If you have a huge appetite, order the whole catfish, but at 13 ounces, you may have to take some of your lunch home for dinner.

Coach's Bar and Grill has a full menu, drink specials, weekly poker leagues, and video bingo leagues. Coach's prides itself on house-made sauces, soups and chili. Even better, this bar stays open until 3 a.m. every night, so you can relax with your friends after a long day of work. Drink specials occur nightly, some of them until 10 p.m. Order from the full menu until late, take in sports memorabilia on the walls and watch the big game at this local watering hole that has been in business for more than 30 years.

Bannister Road, 99th Street and 103rd Street represent major roads going east and west. Holmes Road and Wornall Road run north to south and cross Indian Creek. Take Holmes or Wornall to get on Interstate 435 easily. Businesses, schools and parks have plenty of free parking spaces. If your car breaks down, call one of several taxi companies or Uber to get a ride.

Some, but not all, streets have sidewalks for pedestrians to walk during daylight hours. Most homes have driveways and garages, so bicyclists can cruise down side streets without a problem. Bannister and Holmes delineate bicycle-friendly routes with wide streets and lower speed limits.

KCATA buses from Route 57 stop at Carondelet and State Line Road, just to the southwest of Willow Creek. Buses begin at 5:07 a.m. and go until 8:15 p.m. weekdays.

Indian Creek Greenway Trail runs along the south side of Willow Creek. The 4-mile concrete and asphalt path creates an exercise space for walkers, bikers, strollers and leashed dogs. Legacy Park has 15 acres of green space with a small playground and walking trails.

Nearby Minor Park has several annual events, including the Valentine's Day "Lock Your Love" festival where happy couples inscribe messages on locks and put them on Old Red Bridge. Later in the spring, the farmers market begins to sell fresh, organic produce to customers.

Living in Willow Creek costs about the same as it does in downtown Kansas City. A one-bedroom apartment runs approximately $614 per month.

A pint of beer is $2.50 during happy hour specials at local watering holes. KCATA day passes cost $3 to get anywhere in the system. Gasoline typically runs 19 percent lower than the national average.

Retail areas near Willow Creek do not have a central location. Watts Mill Plaza, a few blocks to the west, marks the closest shopping center with high-value chain stores. Price Chopper, in the Watts Mill Plaza, serves as the closest grocery store to meet your basic needs. Kansas City Organics has the nearest farmers market, in Minor Park, due south of Willow Creek. Gomer's South typifies one of four locations for the vaunted local liquor store. Buy the newest vintages, the heartiest Scotch brands, small-batch bourbons and all of your favorite beers from this local vendor.

Spanky's Card Shop characterizes one of two local retail stores in the neighborhood. Buy individual cards, packs or sets for "Magic: The Gathering," "Pokémon," and "Yu-Gi-Oh " trading card games. Try out your decks in daily or weekly tournaments with entry fees and prizes. Attend one of the store's midnight release parties to show your true fandom.