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| Downtown Kansas City skyline |
Kansas City keeps "America's Heartland" beating with jazz, fountains, and barbecue. Maybe more folksy than fancy, this fabulous city (and my hometown) will surprise you with everything it has to offer.
Dubbed "The City of Fountains", Kansas City has over 200 fountains - second only to Rome. The city also is home to more boulevards than any other city except Paris earning its nickname as the "Paris of the Plains".
Located at the confluence of Kansas and Missouri rivers and bordering both state lines, Kansas City is a great weekend destination.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO:
The Kansas City International Airport (MCI) lies north of the city and is typically about a 20-30 minute drive to most major destinations.
Cabs are easy and reliable from the airport. Walk outside and pick up the yellow phones and talk with the operator. A taxi will be curbside in less than 5 minutes.
Since the city is so spread out and public transportation is quite limited, I would recommend a rental car.
Kansas City is often described as the "metro" because there are many outlying areas that make up the metropolitan area. Here's a neighborhood breakdown with a each area's major attractions:
The Kansas City International Airport (MCI) lies north of the city and is typically about a 20-30 minute drive to most major destinations.
Cabs are easy and reliable from the airport. Walk outside and pick up the yellow phones and talk with the operator. A taxi will be curbside in less than 5 minutes.
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| J.C. Nichols Memorial Fountain on the Plaza |
Kansas City is often described as the "metro" because there are many outlying areas that make up the metropolitan area. Here's a neighborhood breakdown with a each area's major attractions:
- North (a.k.a - "Northland" or "North of the River") - Zona Rosa shopping area, the airport, Worlds & Oceans of Fun
- East (Independence) - Arrowhead & Kauffman stadiums, Pres. Harry Truman heritage sites
- Southwest (Overland Park, Olathe)
- West (Bonner Springs, Kansas City, KS) - Kansas Speedway. The Legends shopping area
- Downtown - Power & Light District, Bartle Hall Convention Center, Performing Arts Center (coming next September)
- The Country Club Plaza (a.k.a. - The Plaza)
The Plaza is your best bet in terms of a place to stay. It is a central location and beautiful area. Try Embassy Suites or the Raphael Hotel.
Most of the major tourist areas are safe, but due to it's popularity I would keep an eye on your wallet and/or purse on the Plaza.
Most of the major tourist areas are safe, but due to it's popularity I would keep an eye on your wallet and/or purse on the Plaza.
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| Downtown Kansas City |
Pass on sketchy Westport nightlife and head to the new KC Power & Light district in downtown KC. This 9-block entertainment hot spot is part of a recent $5B downtown makeover. Do know the open-air atmosphere can at times feel like a fraternity party.
For a more low-key evening, your best bet is the jazz for which KC is famous. Check out The Majestic Restaurant in Downtown. Once a prohibition-era speakeasy, the Majestic hosts live jazz every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday night. (No cover charge)
Boulevard is a local brewery that makes a great wheat beer. Give it a try! Tours available as well.
Our nation's 33rd President was born and lived much of his life in Independence. A 20 minute drive will take you from downtown Kansas City to Independence where you can visit Pres. Harry Truman's home and museum.
In addition to Pres. Truman, Walter Cronkite, Jean Harlow, Ginger Rogers, golfer Tom Watson, and handbag designer Kate Spade are all from the area.
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| The Country Club Plaza |
TOP 10 TO SEE & DO:
1. The Country Club Plaza
Designed in 1922 as the nation's first suburban shopping district, the Plaza is an open-air public art gallery with fountains, sculptures and murals that bring out the best of the Old World and the new. The entire 15-block district is filled with more than 150 shops and dozens of restaurants, serving as a sort of a "Rodeo Drive" of the midwest with a Spanish flair.
You'll find everything from the Gap to Tiffany's and McDonald's to ritzy Bristol. Don't miss popcorn & a limeade at Topsy's - a KC institution - and Kansas City's finest department store Hall's.
Designed in 1922 as the nation's first suburban shopping district, the Plaza is an open-air public art gallery with fountains, sculptures and murals that bring out the best of the Old World and the new. The entire 15-block district is filled with more than 150 shops and dozens of restaurants, serving as a sort of a "Rodeo Drive" of the midwest with a Spanish flair.
You'll find everything from the Gap to Tiffany's and McDonald's to ritzy Bristol. Don't miss popcorn & a limeade at Topsy's - a KC institution - and Kansas City's finest department store Hall's.
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| Barbecue KC-style at Oklahoma Joe's |
2. Barbecue
You can’t visit Kansas City without eating its world-famous barbecue! There are more than 90 restaurants and the annual American Royal hosts one of the world's biggest BBQ contests.
Smokehouse, Fiorella's Jack Stack, Arthur Bryant's, and Oklahoma Joe's are (in order) my favorites. Burnt ends, the flavorful pieces of meat cut from the ends of smoked beef or pork brisket, are a KC specialty, but you really can’t go wrong no matter what you order. Do make sure to try the unique style of baked beans.
Smokehouse, Fiorella's Jack Stack, Arthur Bryant's, and Oklahoma Joe's are (in order) my favorites. Burnt ends, the flavorful pieces of meat cut from the ends of smoked beef or pork brisket, are a KC specialty, but you really can’t go wrong no matter what you order. Do make sure to try the unique style of baked beans.
3. Steak
Ever hear of a Kansas City strip steak? Yeah, thought so. Beef is what's for dinner...and sometimes even lunch! Kansas Citians have long been fans dating all the way back to the stockyard days. Treat yourself at the Plaza III or Hereford House, two of my favorites.
4. Ponak's Mexican Kitchen
Sensing a theme here? Food in Kansas City is tough to beat, and Mexican food is a pretty big deal here, too. Authentic-style Mexican food, the world's best margarita, and eclectic decor make this Kansas City landmark a favorite for over 4 decades. Try the pork burrito! (2856 Southwest Blvd)
5. American Jazz Museum/Negro Leagues Baseball Hall of Fame
They say jazz was born in New Orleans, but grew up in Kansas City …to be more precise, on the corner of 18th and Vine. This is the neighborhood where John Coltrane met Charlie Parker and the same area that nurtured the careers of many legendary musicians.
In the very same building (1616 E. 18th Street) is the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, a tribute to African Americans' role in the sport. Follow along on this self-guided tour, starting from the league’s humble beginnings back in 1920, to 1945 when Major League Baseball's Brooklyn Dodgers recruited Jackie Robinson from the Kansas City Monarchs and then to league’s eventual collapse in 1960s.
SAVVY TIP: $10/adult buys you admission to both museums! Avoid visiting at night as the neighborhood is not one of the safest in the area.
They say jazz was born in New Orleans, but grew up in Kansas City …to be more precise, on the corner of 18th and Vine. This is the neighborhood where John Coltrane met Charlie Parker and the same area that nurtured the careers of many legendary musicians.
In the very same building (1616 E. 18th Street) is the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, a tribute to African Americans' role in the sport. Follow along on this self-guided tour, starting from the league’s humble beginnings back in 1920, to 1945 when Major League Baseball's Brooklyn Dodgers recruited Jackie Robinson from the Kansas City Monarchs and then to league’s eventual collapse in 1960s.
SAVVY TIP: $10/adult buys you admission to both museums! Avoid visiting at night as the neighborhood is not one of the safest in the area.
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| Kauffman Stadium (a.k.a. The "K") |
6. Kauffman Stadium/Arrowhead Stadium
Kansas Citians love to cheer on their favorite - albeit humble - sports teams. The "K", as residents affectionately call it, is home to Major League Baseball's Royals and Arrowhead is home to the NFL's Chiefs. Both stadiums just finished pricey renovations complete with HD scoreboards, new plasma TVs, and concessions. Seats are typically very reasonably priced and easy to get at the last minute.
Kansas Citians love to cheer on their favorite - albeit humble - sports teams. The "K", as residents affectionately call it, is home to Major League Baseball's Royals and Arrowhead is home to the NFL's Chiefs. Both stadiums just finished pricey renovations complete with HD scoreboards, new plasma TVs, and concessions. Seats are typically very reasonably priced and easy to get at the last minute.
7. Steamboat Arabia Museum
Back in 1856, the steamboat Arabia hit a snag and sunk in the Missouri river. For 132 years, the boat remained covered in the muddy waters and dirt. Excavations began in the middle of a corn field after the river's course shifted. This museum houses artifacts and all the history of this amazing story. (Mon-Sat 10AM - 5:30PM, last tour at 4PM, Sunday 12PM - 5PM, last tour at 3:30)
8. World's of Fun/Oceans of Fun
Missouri's version of Disney World. Two theme parks: one filled with roller coasters and rides and the other a water park. A great place for family fun.
9. Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art
Just three blocks away from the Plaza, this museum is distinguished for its extensive collection of Asian art. It's also well known for it's can't-miss Shuttlecocks, a four-part outdoor sculpture of oversize badminton shuttlecocks. Admission is free every day. (4525 Oak Street, Closed Monday & Tuesday)
Just three blocks away from the Plaza, this museum is distinguished for its extensive collection of Asian art. It's also well known for it's can't-miss Shuttlecocks, a four-part outdoor sculpture of oversize badminton shuttlecocks. Admission is free every day. (4525 Oak Street, Closed Monday & Tuesday)
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| Crown Center |
10. Crown Center/Hallmark's Visitors Center
Located in the heart of downtown Kansas City, Crown Center is three levels of shopping and dining, flanked by two of the city's largest hotels (Hyatt Regency & The Westin), surrounding the worldwide headquarters of Hallmark Cards.
There are plenty of creative activities for kids including Kaleidoscope (hands-on art creation), The Coterie Theater, and the Crown Center Ice Terrace (ice skating in the winter). Don't forget to go behind the scenes at the Hallmark Visitor Center where adults and children alike can decorate their own cards. (2450 Grand Blvd., Closed Sundays)
Located in the heart of downtown Kansas City, Crown Center is three levels of shopping and dining, flanked by two of the city's largest hotels (Hyatt Regency & The Westin), surrounding the worldwide headquarters of Hallmark Cards.
There are plenty of creative activities for kids including Kaleidoscope (hands-on art creation), The Coterie Theater, and the Crown Center Ice Terrace (ice skating in the winter). Don't forget to go behind the scenes at the Hallmark Visitor Center where adults and children alike can decorate their own cards. (2450 Grand Blvd., Closed Sundays)
DON'T WASTE YOUR TIME:
- Kanas City Zoo - A so-so zoo in a less than desirable area.
- Gates BBQ - fatty barbecue and my least favorite in the entire city
- The Casinos: Harrah's, Ameristar, Argosy, & Isle of Capri - it's Missouri people, not Nevada. Let's leave smoke-filled gambling to the professionals.
How is the Zoo in a less then desirable neighborhood, it's in the middle of a huge piece of land and not even in a neighborhood?
ReplyDeleteSo are you saying people should not go to Augusta National Golf Course because that it's a less then desirable neighborhood but one of the most beautiful golf courses in the world?
This would the same analogy you made with the KC Zoo.
Let me give you some more examples:
Dallas Zoo - In a Bad Area
Comiskey Park in Chicago - Don't want to go there, SouthSide of Chicago - EWW!!!
University of Penn - Watch Out, put on the bullet proof vest
National Aboretum in DC - Not going there, on the east side of DC
I could keep going about attractions in bad areas but i think i made my point
I'm doubtful one would get pickpocketed on the Plaza and the nightlife is far from sketchy in Westport. I highly recommend trying McCoy's Public House in the heart of Westport. They have awesome handcrafted beer and a great menu.
ReplyDeleteLIBERTY MEMORIAL
ReplyDeleteThere was no mention of the only (major, possibly only?) WWI Memorial in the U.S.. Everybody goes through KC, but no one ever goes and spends a little time on past histories. I think for $20 you can visit 3 museums and get tickets to go up the memorial itself (22 stories?) and see the KC skyline. I think you could set aside 4+ hours to see our great nation in that era at that time. This is probably one of the best museums I have ever been too. http://www.theworldwar.org/s/110/new/index_community.aspx
UNION STATION
What about Union Station in KC? One of the city's most prized possessions. The major historical train station. It can better be described here: http://www.unionstation.org/aboutus.html Today it houses many traveling exhibits that pass through the area. I personally saw the Dead Sea Scrolls there. Two of the largest landmarks in the mid-west and you missed both of them.
The author doesn't seem to know the city very well based what seem to be racial stereotypes of certain neighborhoods.
ReplyDeleteWestport is actually very safe compared to the Plaza or Power & Light District, but of which have more problems with robberies, purse snatching, etc. Westport has recently become a great destination for beer lovers. McCoy's Public House, the Foundry, the Riot Room, and now the Beer Kitchen form a great cluster of beer culture.
The Crossroads Arts District is also a must see. It's one of the largest gallery districts between the coasts. Be sure to visit on a first Friday of the month when the galleries are open late and the streets are packed with people.
Public transportation is an increasingly viable option for tourists. The MAX express bus line conveniently connects the main tourist corridor of River Market, Downtown, Crossroads, Westport, Plaza, Brookside, and Waldo.
Also, Overland Park and Olathe are southwest, not "southeast"...
Thank you all for the feedback. I appreciate you taking the time to check out my blog.
ReplyDeleteFirst, I would like to point out this blog is MY opinion of what is good to see in Kansas City. KC is a very large, diverse town and there’s lots to see and do so opinions will undoubtedly vary.
Yes, I am a New Yorker now, but I was born and raised in Kansas City. I think very highly of my hometown, and I wanted to highlight the Top 10 things I think people should see and do there.
Nathan, you raise a great point about the Memorial. I did think of that and Union Station, but in my opinion, I would not recommend either as one of the top things a visitor must do.
No stereotypes here. I've been to all the places I've written about, and I speak from experience. I do not want to offend, but there are better zoos than in Kansas City.
Oh yeah, and Gates BBQ is still my least favorite.
Thanks for checking out the blog.