Stories and photos by Erin Jones (unless otherwise indicated)
Kansas City is in the heart of America and is a mixture of urban and suburban landscapes. There are so many nooks and crannies that you could live here for years and still uncover someplace new. I am still learning this as I try to be a tourist in my hometown. It is two cities across two states but with interconnected highways and roads, you can easily cross the city in 30 minutes in any direction. Kansas City, Missouri claims the urban spaces and historic buildings, but the sights and sounds on the Kansas side deserve some attention.
Kansas City History
Kansas City originated in the 1800s and during civil war times, it was a city divided as Missouri was a slave state and Kansas a free state. Post-Civil War the city saw something of an economic boom as Kansas City became a well-known cow town, including stockyards and warehouses. Extensive railroad service and bridges across the Missouri River contributed to its development.
In the 1920s Kansas City made a name for itself as a Garment District, similar but smaller than New York City in the amount of garments produced in the time.
Post-World War II created an exit to the suburban areas and outside of the urban core. It stayed this way until recently when urban revitalization made downtown trendier and now hosts art galleries, restaurants, and loft residences.
The history of KC is what makes it such an interesting place to visit now, as it has maintained and repurposed its original buildings.
Where is Kansas City
Right in the middle of the United States, Kansas City, Missouri sits on the western side of the state right next to the Missouri River. Cross over the state line and you will find Kansas City, Kansas. If you talk to a local, they may say they are from Kansas City. However, the metro area is made of up several smaller cities and towns that make up the overall Kansas City Metro. Kansas City, Missouri is the urban core and home to the art galleries, professional baseball and football stadiums, and other sites. Kansas City, Kansas also has an urban center but tends to be more suburban and you’ll see some wide-open spaces beyond the downtown core.
When to Visit Kansas City
Located in the middle of the United States, Kansas City experiences all four seasons. Winters are cold and summers are hot and surprisingly humid. Spring and Fall make me forget all about the drastic changes from the other seasons.
From late March to May, spring offers flowering trees and flowers blooming across the city. You may have to be on the lookout for thunderstorms, but in general, the temperature stays mild in the ’60s-’70s, making it perfect to explore the street art scene in The Crossroads or explore the Garment District in downtown Kansas City.
Leaf peeping at Wyandotte County Lake in October is a riot of color from reds to oranges and yellows. With trees reflecting off the lake, it is a perfect place for a picnic or some outdoor time with the family.
If you do find yourself in Kansas City during the colder winter months, there is plenty to offer as holiday lights seem to be a specialty! On Thanksgiving, the city gathers on the Country Club Plaza for the switching on of the lights in the shopping district. The whole area lights up with color and is the start of the festive Christmas season in Kansas City. Not to be left out, Overland Park Kansas Arboretum provides a beautiful candlelight walk including areas for family pictures and a stage for musicians, some decked in Dickens era clothing singing classic carols.
Navigating around Kansas City
Kansas City has an international airport (note the only non-US countries flying into/out of the airport are Canada and Mexico) that is 20 minutes by car to downtown Kansas City, Missouri. The city is spread out, so if you are comfortable driving, a rental car is recommended. Served by many highways, you will find it easy to get around the city with plenty of parking options. Kansas City has a good rideshare presence if you would rather not drive yourself. Within the downtown area, there is a free streetcar that will take you from River Market to Union Station. It is around a 2-mile distance but it is an easy way to navigate downtown. Kansas City offers a bus system but, to be honest, it’s much quicker to drive from point A to point B.
Kansas City PLAY
From discovering new neighborhoods, exploring a museum, or shopping you will be spoiled for choice on activities in Kansas City.
City Market
Head down 9th Street and take the free public streetcar towards the river market. On the weekends, you will find a bustling market full of stalls selling fresh fruits and vegetables and bouquets. Running Summer through Fall, it is a great place to stock up on groceries for the week or just take in the sites and visit the local stores around the area.
Downtown Kansas City – Garment District
Downtown Kansas City, Missouri is silent after the evening rush with the worker bees fleeing to the burbs after the workday. Now, the lofts are filling up with residents, and after work you will find residents walking their dogs or headed out to a restaurant with friends.
Between the River Market and the Power and Light District is the Garment District, a charming area that in the 1920s was a thriving area sewing and distributing garments all around America. The warehouses remain and are converted lofts. The area itself is beautiful, including many restored buildings. It is fun to view some of the fashions created in the area as well as special exhibits that change periodically.
Located just down the street on 8th Street, visit Vested Coffee, a locally-owned coffee shop serving up drinks and pastries in the heart of the Garment District. The owners are truly friendly and the décor inside is inviting. If you are hungrier, visit the Milwaukee Deli, serving up sandwiches, salads, and pizza that will fill you up as you explore downtown.
Power and Light District
The Power and Light district is a gathering place and if there is a big game in town, you will find it full of locals enjoying a festive atmosphere. The area is full of bars and restaurants and the Sprint Center, which holds many concerts and sporting events. You will find hotels within walking distance and it is a good central area to explore the rest of the city.
Crossroads and Union Station
The Crossroads area is home to many local art studios and street art, with several boutiques and restaurants recently added to the mix. On the first Friday of each month, the art galleries stay open late and the crowds gather to enjoy the art and the local restaurants.
Just down the road sits Union Station, where you can still catch the train to Chicago or St. Louis but also hosts a fantastic science museum. It is a beautiful art deco museum that hosts local festivals and has a skywalk leading to Crown Center.
Crown Center holds some shops, restaurants, theatre, and during the winter a skating rink! Sea Life Aquarium and Legoland are especially popular. The area has lots of family-friendly options that will keep kiddos occupied for hours.
Kansas City, Kansas
Kansas City, Kansas is home to the Sporting Kansas City Soccer team, a NASCAR racetrack, and an outdoor shopping center. If you continue to search the local area, you will find small towns full of local shops and friendly locals that are worth getting off the normal tourist track.
Shopping
Bonner Springs, Kansas is located 30 minutes west of downtown Kansas City and is home to some of my favorite shops; The Porch Swing and Dee Dee’s Jewelry and Vintage Décor.
The Porch Swing is located on Main Street and is a collective of vendors offering home goods and apparel. From refurbished furniture and jewelry, it is a treasure trove. Located on the second floor, the store is arranged by the various vendors with homewares artistically displayed for purchase.
You will find one of a kind housewares and furniture pieces along with some Kansas City apparel to remember your visit. It is a great way to support local vendors and I am always inspired to decorate and update my home.
Dee Dee’s is located just down the main street of Bonner Springs offering housewares, vintage finds, and jewelry. The owners are so friendly and happy to have a chat. From scented candles, vintage teacups, and dishes, I always find something I “must-have”. Especially fun at Christmas, there are so many beautiful Christmas ornaments and themed decorations. It is always fun to support local businesses and the Porch Swing and Dee Dee’s are sure to delight.
If you still are in the mood to shop, head to the Legends Outlets, an outdoor shopping mall full of retail therapy for whatever style suits you! If you are shopped out, visit “the lawn,” an outdoor space in the mall with comfy chairs and lawn games. There is also a large screen that will show sports or holiday movies for Black Friday shoppers.
Sports
Next to the Legends Outlets Mall, there is Children’s Mercy Park, which hosts the Sporting KC Soccer team. The games are a big draw to locals, with the biggest fans grabbing seats in the “cauldron”. You will be entertained by their chants and cheers and the Sporting KC team has been competitive over the past few years. The Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs of the NFL and the Royals of the MLB also call Kansas City home.
Just across the street, you will see the Kansas Speedway, home to NASCAR races twice a year. During race weekends, the area is covered with RV’s and trailers of fans ready to watch the thrilling spectacle. You will be able to hear the racing cars a few miles away.
Wyandotte County Lake
Wyandotte County Lake is a beautiful area in Kansas City, Kansas offering shelter houses to host a picnic or party, playground equipment for the kids, a dock for boats, and sections of the lake open for fishing. Enjoying a picnic or just skipping rocks into the lake is relaxing and a great way to spend some time in the great outdoors in Kansas City.
Where to Stay in Kansas City
From American chains to newer boutiques, you will find a variety of lodging options in the Kansas City area. Downtown Kansas City, Missouri has seen an increase in boutique hotels over the past few years as the city tries to gain more visitors and conventions.
The 21C Hotel in the Garment District offers an onsite art gallery and unique art in each room. With the Savoy restaurant next door, you can sit in the same booth President Harry Truman spent some quality time.
Featuring art deco interiors, the Hotel Phillips hosts a speakeasy and central location in the Power and Light District. On the Country Club Plaza, choose the Fontaine, a boutique hotel with a fantastic rooftop pool and excellent location for touring Kansas City.
Kansas City EAT
Kansas City is well known for BBQ and everyone has their favorite spot. Start with Joe’s KC, located on the Kansas side with its original location inside of a gas station; however, it has several branches around the metro area, including in the Country Road Ice House in the Power and Light District. From burnt ends to brisket, you cannot go wrong!
Kansas City is home to a plethora of Mexican restaurants as well. Southwest Boulevard just beyond the Crossroads district is home to many. Dive into some enchiladas and do not forget to start with queso and chips with homemade salsa. Manny’s is my favorite, but know that parking can be at a premium.
Come See Kansas City
The locals are friendly, the food is delicious, and there are so many activities to explore in Kansas City! From a long weekend or a more extended time, you will leave inspired and refreshed. Keep on reading PlayStayEat.com for more detailed Kansas City insights.
