The boutiques and galleries of the Crossroads Arts District offer a great opportunity to hop from heater to heater in one of the region's hottest arts districts. Find unusual Christmas gifts--from Chinese teapots to hand-dyed silk throw pillows made by local textile artist Joscelyn Himes--in Black Bamboo.

Picture Perfect
Kansas City has more fountains than any city except Rome, but most of them are turned off for the winter. All but one--the Northland Fountain in North Kansas City. The frozen cascade becomes an organic ice sculpture. Mittened families come to admire it, and their eyes light up with wonder. Life may imitate art--elsewhere. In Kansas City it mimics a Hallmark card.

For more information: Contact the Kansas City Convention & Visitors Association, 1100 Main Street, Suite 2200, Kansas City, MO 64105; (816) 221-5242 or www.visitkc.com.

left: Find exotic imports and one-of-a-kind gifts (go ahead, treat yourself too) at Black Bamboo.