Jud Compton

As part of our driving trip in Missouri next year, we'll have 1½ days in Kansas City. What are the most unique attractions or scenes that we shouldn't miss?

Carol

We lived in the KC area for 8 yrs. Whenever we had out-of-town guests I would first take them to The Plaza (outdoor high-end shopping). Search out all of the fountains! Then, take a trolley ride from there. There are about 4 or 5 stops at different interesting sites (including the great art museum). You can get on and off the trolley and re-board with the same pass.

KC has MANY great restaurants, but you should probably check out the bbq (best in the states, in my opinion!).

If you want to see an up-to-date calendar of events while you're there, check out:

http://www.kcstar.com

If you scroll down to the bottom of the site, click on Calendar.

stephanie

I've lived in KC all my life, and in my opinion one of the most interesting places is the Steamship Arabia Museum. It holds remnants of a mid 1800's ship that sank in the Missouri, and since was dug up from a corn field next to the River. It was like a floating WalMart in its day, and there is a wonderful collection of the supplies that sank with it at the museum as well among other things. It's really very interesting. It's located at the City Market area in downtown K.C.

sandra engley

In case you may think the above opinions are biased, I will add my "outsider"s point of view" as well. Have visited Kansas City three times for a total of three weeks. Was completely surprised how clean, well manicured, culturely diverse, and the variety of shops and dining available. Belive it or not, it has been compared to several european cities! Boulavards like Paris, decorative statues and fountains everywhere like Rome, The Country Club Plaza area was modeled after Seville Spain!
First trip used the Trolley, one price on and off all day. did the walking tour of the country club plaza. Dined there almost everyday. Christmans decorations and miles of lights were being prepared. Went to the Rodeo, it was November the week before Thanksgiving. Was impressed with the Arabia Steamship Museum, they dug everything up practically with a spoon, as not to damage any goods, they recreated the deck and paddlewheel too. Visited the Nelason Atkins Museum of Art and Sculpture Gardens very large but easy to navigate. Had lots of great meals especially at Houstons in the plaza.
Next trip rented a car for the weekend and took a ride on the paddlewheeler, belive it was on the Kansas side of the river. also went out to Independence and walked thru the pages of history at the Truman presidential library. In the same area was the(Morman?) church with lots of spires they seem to touch the sky, quite a sight. Went to western stores like Sheplers and bought boots. Visited Hallmark Center for 20 minute tour, lots of memories of what they have done over the years. Enjoyed dinner at Milanos in the Crown Center. Loved the Sunday brunch at The Peppercorn Duck Club in the Hyatt.
Last year returned to Kansas City in June, revisited the Steamship Arabia and spent most of my free time in the plaza, about 10 blocks long three blocks wide, seemed like 200 shops, and 100 restaurants to select from. Lots of outdoor cafes by the many fountains. Had a great meal outdoors at the Chesecake Factory (about a 30 page menu, this is a nationwide restaurant, about 20+ locations including Boston area, San Diego and Las Vegas). June also has the BBQ cook off contest. You may wish you had more then one day to explore Kansas City.

Tara

http://kcinter.net/~tarbaby/kclinks.htm

Has many links to interesting things to do & restaraunts.

Have a great time!

steve

I have lived in KCMO for 16 years. For your short time there you should definitely go to the Plaza. Its more than just a shopping district. Eat lunch at the sidewalk cafe next to the Sharper Image store. If nightlife is your interest you must go to Westport. Several bars and clubs are there including the Hurricane(live music) and Stanfords(2 for one drinks after 9?).

susan stanley

I'm suprised no one has mentioned KC's famous barbeque!! My husband and I spend a weekend there las summer just to eat and buy sauce.

Try Zarda's Haywards, Gates, Bryants and the Smoke Stack. Stay away from KC Masterpiece, not that it's awful, just that there are so many better places!

albine

Go to www.pimico.fr/ab and click on Kansas City "to see-to do".

Carol

I posted earlier. TOTALLY agree with all of the recommendations above. But forgot to mention one main KC ingredient: JAZZ! There are numerous Great Jazz groups that play around town. I used to enjoy going to several of the jazz bars, but, one specific one around 11th St. near downtown...Anyone know which one I'm talking about? It was next to the old warehouse that became the Spaghetti Factory in the early 90s...

stephanie

Hi, I posted earlier too, and read Carolyns' most recent. Could you be talking about The Phoenix? It's a great jazz bar, though I've not been there in about 5 years and assume it's still there. It's downtown, though I'm not sure exactly where now. I remember it being close to the Savoy Grill restaurant. I would highly recommend The Phoenix for jazz!

stephanie

Hi, I posted earlier too, and read Carol's most recent. Could you be talking about The Phoenix? It's a great jazz bar, though I've not been there in about 5 years and assume it's still there. It's downtown, though I'm not sure exactly where now. I remember it being close to the Savoy Grill restaurant. I would highly recommend it for great jazz!

Carol

Stephanie--that's IT! The Phoenix was our all-time favorite Jazz spot in KC. I still go to visit it whenever I visit friends in KC. Thanks for the reminder...