KANSAS CITY, Mo. — It would be a sin to use a hotel gym in this city, given the eye candy outdoors. Here’s a sampling from my jetlag-busting jog around Mill Creek Park: fantasy film-worthy birds, butterflies, and bunnies; sculpted stallions leaping through sun-sparkled spray; folks stretching and flexing on orange trail-side contraptions; a tai chi master striking moves beneath a shade-tree; and an illusionist spinning hoops. No treadmill beats this free show.

Clearly, Kansas City culture goes beyond its barbecue, beer, and baseball.