KC Options Magazine

About KC Options Magazine

Every year, KC Options captures the energy of Kansas City lifestyle in one place — the can’t-miss spots, the undeniable momentum and the people turning ambition into action.

This is more than a magazine. It’s a front-row seat to a region on the rise.

KC Options is published annually by the Kansas City Area Development Council in partnership with Showcase Publishing for TeamKC, the regional authority on talent attraction. It’s the No. 1 recruitment tool for KC employers and is viewed in 85+ countries around the world.

🏆 2024 Gold Award Winner | International Economic Development Council (IEDC)

A Note from the Editor

Addie Linn

Forever etched in history, 2026 will be remembered as a momentous year for Kansas City.

From vibrant neighborhoods and cultural hotspots to the innovators, artists and athletes shaping KC’s story, the 2026 issue of KC Options offers a curated look at the experiences that make Kansas City unforgettable.

Meet the Team

Contributors

2026 Edition

Paul Andrews is a seasoned freelance photographer hailing from the vibrant heart of Kansas City. Paul specializes in environmental portraiture, leaving an indelible mark in prominent local and national publications.

Michelle Bacon has cultivated a career around her devotion to Kansas City’s music and arts scene, having performed or recorded with more than 30 acts on bass and drums. She amplifies the community through her work as Content Manager at 90.9 The Bridge.

Kelly Bunch is a thoughtful communicator, creative builder and lifelong learner with a career that bridges product management, marketing, writing and community building. When she’s not writing, you can find her sailing at Lake Jacomo or giving back to Kansas City.

Pete Dulin has 25 years of experience as a writer and reporter, crafting stories for numerous publications and tailoring content for clients. He is the author of four books and is currently writing Barons, Brewers, and Bootleggers: A Social History of Beer in Missouri.

Duane Hallock is a hobbyist photographer who sees familiar things in new ways. He grew up in Colorado and moved to KC from Oregon. Now, he explores Kansas City with his camera, discovering the quiet, often-overlooked beauty that lies “hidden” in plain sight.

Simon Kuo is an experienced Kansas City photographer who counts many local and national brands as his clients. He is grateful for a career that lets him combine his love for creativity with his short attention span.

Randy Mason has been lucky enough to tell stories about this chunk of the globe in print and on video for, well, “a very long time.”

Weston Owen has been a resident of the Kansas City metro for nearly 20 years. Weston prides himself on being engaged in the community. A seasoned public relations and social media professional, he writes for numerous publications, highlighting all the city has to offer.

Anna Petrow is a culinary, travel and lifestyle photographer based in the Midwest, following her lens coast to coast and beyond. Her work has been published in the New York Times, Travel + Leisure, Fathom, Jetsetter and more.

Tyler Shane is the food editor and restaurant critic of Kansas City Magazine. She has more than a decade of experience in the restaurant industry, ranging from chocolatier to pasta maker.