2026 Independence Visitor's Guide + Website
Just after the publication of my second book, Oldest Kansas City, I teamed up with Visit Independence to bring a fresh narrative perspective to their annual visitor's guide.
History is fascinating, but from a tourism marketing perspective, it can present a challenge: how to make well-known information feel fresh and exciting?
I reunited with a colleague from my days in the early 2000s as a regional magazine editor to lead editorial strategy and writing for the 2026 Independence Visitor's Guide.
The Visit Independence team had already partnered with a local design and branding firm to create a dynamic visual brand, celebrating Visit Independence's transition from a City-managed organization to an independently run CVB.
Together, we began planning the 2026 visitor's guide, balancing must-have topics and locations with creative new additions and a mix of page elements — features, sidebars, Q&As, timelines — to produce an engaging digital and print guide.
Here, my personal rule to visit places I write about became even more important. I spent time exploring Independence shops, landmarks and trails, and spent an eye-opening afternoon at the Harry S. Truman Presidential Library and Museum, which formed the base for my multi-part Truman featured that included an overview of his life, Truman-related landmarks, his favorite local businesses, a Truman-inspired reading list and more.
Once the visitor's guide was printed, I continued my partnership with Visit Independence to create content for their new website. This gave me an opportunity to expand on ideas and themes that didn't make the cut in the 40-page visitor's guide. The website launched in spring 2026.
Visit Independence website | 2026 Independence Visitor's Guide
My Responsibilities
Editorial strategy, research and discovery, page planning, writing, copyediting
Project Gallery
