The Northeast nook of our city is among the most charming and surprising of the dozen neighborhoods I’ve visited over the last year. I often develop crushes on the local restaurants and boutiques I explore, but now I am officially smitten with Scarritt.

My love affair began with the Northeast when Christopher Leitch, director for the Kansas City Museum at Corinthian Hall (3218 Gladstone Blvd.), first told me about the annual Scare-It Halloween celebration.

His enthusiasm was infectious, so last year I turned off my porch light, with a silent apology to my own neighborhood children, and headed over to Scarritt. What I found was a neighborhood event unlike anything else I’ve seen in Kansas City. Thousands of adults and children, most in costumes, were lining the streets around the museum.

The Northeast is also home to some of the best food in all of Kansas City. Various ethnic restaurants and bakeries line Independence Avenue, but if what you’re looking for is a wonderful bowl of soup on a cool fall evening, start at Sabor Centro Americano (2661 Independence Ave.). Honduran food isn’t easy to find in Kansas City, but after eating here, you’ll wonder why there isn’t a Honduran restaurant on every corner.

If you’re struck with a craving for Vietnamese fare, you won’t be disappointed in Pho Hoa (1447 Independence Ave). Don’t trust your GPS for this address. It’s located behind Bilado Rahma, a Middle Eastern restaurant, and can’t be seen from the street. Look for the Motel Capri and head east.

For a little something sweet, the Northeast has two of the best bakeries in town. Boulevard Bakery and Pastries (2815 Independence Ave., located right next to Mayfair Cleaners) specializes in themed iced cookies for every occasion, but their cinnamon rolls, iced with caramel or white sugar frosting, are an essential indulgence. Elvira’s Cakes (3838 Independence Ave.) is my favorite panaderia (Mexican bakery) in Kansas City.

The historic Northeast neighborhood is one of Kansas City’s most charming areas. Don’t let preconceived notions keep you from discovering the great ethnic food, beautiful houses and entertaining events. All it takes is a sense of adventure to find something new in your own hometown.

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