I was born and raised in the Kansas City area. I've learned through the years just how much awesome stuff there is here. I am also quickly finding how many things I haven't gotten to and making a list of places to hit before we move at the end of the summer. Most of the places I've listed below I have been to and highly recommend. There are a few that family members said needed to be added because they are great places. Those are the places that are now on my bucket list.
For those of you who live in the area, have visited or used to live here, please add some of your favorite places in the comments, because I know I haven't even begun to include everything.
For all of you who don't live in the Kansas City Area...how about taking your summer vacation here?!
Restaurants:
1. SuccotashLocated at 2601 Homes St. Kansas City, MO 64108, this breakfast and lunch place has been visted by Food Network's Guy Fieri. I've personally devoured a delicious plate of Pork Hash. It's big enough for two, so please don't go alone! This joint is very hipster and gives you a good feel for the people around Downtown Kansas City.
2. Wurst Haus
There address is 3044 Gilliam Road, Kansas City, MO 64108. Known for it's amazing bratwurst and pretzel buns. I've been here multiple times and recommend any of there bratwurst. I have heard rumors that It might be closed, so check into it, before driving there. I really hope this is wrong because this is an amazing spot!
3. Cupinis
1809 Westport Rd. Kansas City, MO 64111 is the address to an amazing fresh made pasta place. Also visited by Food Network's Guy Fieri, this small restaurant first started as a catering place and eventually opened up an adjoining restaurant. They make fresh pasta every day! I went here for my birthday a few years ago and have been back a couple of other times.
4. The Majestic
Head over to 931 Broadway Boulevard Kansas City, MO 64105 for some amazing steak and live jazz. The food is expensive so I've only had their dessert, but I've heard the main course food is phenomenal. The atmosphere is amazing and the music is great. The Majestic is located in a historical building. The upstairs dinning room has a large bar dating back to 1910 and the basement holds live Jazz today, but was the site of a speakeasy during the prohibition.
5. Cinzetti's
Located in Overland Park at 7201 W. 91st St. Overland Park KS, 66212 this all you can eat Italian Buffet is unlike any buffet you will ever find. Filled with gelato and cannoli's , pizza and chicken alfredo, eggplant and crepe's just for starters. It's high quality, good Italian food!
Parks:
1. McCoy ParkLocated off of 24 Hwy and N. Delaware close to Truman Library, this park has a free outdoor splash park for children and playground area as well. It's great free fun for hot summer days.
2. Legacy Park Convention Center
Head over to 901 Bluestem Lee's Summit, MO 64086 for a variety of fun. We first came across this park for it's great disc golf course. More recently we utilized the Convetion Center also located at the park for my daughters birthday. Non Lee's Summit resident's can get an all day pass for $8. Inside you are free to use all facilities which include, Indoor water park (Kiddy area, lazy river, water slide, and lap pool) Gym, and running/walking track. Children under 4 are free.
3. Burr Oaks Park
1401 NW Park Rd. Blue Springs, MO 64015 is the home to an extensive park. Including playgrounds, walking/nature trails, Dirt bike race track, ball fields of every kind and picnic areas. This is a very large park and has multiples of most things scattered throughout the park.
4. Worlds of Fun/Oceans of Fun
4545 Worlds of Fun Ave. Kansas City, MO 64161 is the address to our very own Theme Park and Water Park. I've never been to some of the larger more famous parks, so I can't compare, but as a teenager I had many fun summers here. There are plenty of roller coasters, kids rides (including Snoopy land) and an entire second park attached with just water rides.
Shopping/Window Shopping:
We have several large shopping area's that are great all-day venues.1. The Legends in Kansas City, Kansas has a huge outdoor shopping area but is also surrounded by many larger stores like, Nebraska Furniture Mart, and Cabelas.
2. Crown Center is an indoor plaza located in downtown Kansas City. Full of unique stores like Hallmark, Crayola, a toy store, and a hat store. They hold special events often. During Christmas they frequently have groups doing music in the main area, they also have a venue used for free or cheap entertainment for children. The most recent one was a free walk through fairy tale land.
3. The Plaza also located in downtown Kansas City is known for it's high-end and unique stores. There are lots of great places to eat also, but just remember everything is more expensive on the Plaza.
4. River Market is on the other side of town but still in downtown Kansas City. It's best known for it's summer farmer's market but also boasts of many unique shops and a museum.
5. Town Center Plaza in Leawood Kansas is filled with great stores like, MAC, Crate and Barrel, Restoration Hardware, Crazy 8 and many more.
Grocery Shopping:
I'm adding in my favorite health food stores. We are blessed with a great variety of good foods. Many of them are at several locations around town.1. Whole Foods
2. Trader Joes
3. River Market
4. Natural Grocers
5. Sprouts in Liberty
Overnights:
1. Coco Keys Hotel and Water Park9103 E. 39th St. Kansas City, MO 64133. I have never personally been here, but have heard good things about it.
2. Comfort Inn and Suites
19751 E. Valley View Pkwy. Independence, MO 64057. Yes this is your basic everyday hotel, but after my in-laws stayed there multiple times we found out that their indoor pool is a salt water pool. For those who don't prefer to swim in chlorine or can't this is a great place to stay. Also, many hotels will let you pay a fee to swim in their pool if you live in the area.
3. Inn on Crescent Lake
1261 St. Louis Ave. Excelsior Springs, MO 64024. My husband took me to this Bed and Breakfast for our last anniversary. I give a 5 star rating because it was so homey, historical, and peaceful. it's run by a husband and wife and they will gladly tell you the history of this amazing house. You are given a key to the front door and you may come and go as you please just like your own home. They made excellent breakfast choices and even worked with my limited diet wonderfully. Located in a small historical town there are several fun things to do on and off site. Overall it is very peaceful and relaxing.
4. The Elms
401 Regent St. Excelsior Springs, MO 64024. Another amazing hotel/bed and breakfast we went and looked around at while in the area. It is much more expensive, but has a huge spa and restaurant. There was a very large wedding party there while we were touring. Again different from our stay at the smaller Inn on Crescent Lake but a very neat atmosphere and closer to shopping and sightseeing.
5. Chateau Avalon
701 Village West Pkwy. Kansas City, KS 66111. This unique hotel has themed rooms and is geared to honeymooners or anniversary trips. Some of the rooms are Jesse James, Pirate Cove, Monte Cristo, and Presidential. It is located close to the Legands which makes for great meals and shopping.
History:
We have a host of unique historical places in Kansas City. I am only listing a few, and sadly have not been to all of them. I would love to hear about other places that you love in the area.1. Truman Library
2. World War I Museum
3. Union Station
4. African American Baseball Hall of Fame
5. Nelson-Atkins Art Museum
Best BBQ:
Kansas City is known for it's BBQ and there is always a debate about whose is the best. But really it depends on the person eating it. Here are a few of my family's favorites. With Smokehouse as my personal favorite.1. Smokehouse - 19000 E. 39th St. S. Independence, MO 64057
2. Kansas City Baby Back Ribs - 204 S. Broadway, Oak Grove MO 64057
3. Famous Dave's (Legends) 1320 Village West Pkwy. Kansas City, MO 66111
4. Jack Stack's - multiple restaurants in the area.
5. Oklahoma Joes - 3002 W. 47th Ave. Kansas City, KS 66103
Sports:
We have a ridiculous amount of sports teams in our area. Many of them being pro team and few minor league teams as well.
2) T-bones - Minor League Baseball
3) Comets - Indoor Soccer
4) Mavericks - ECHL Hockey
5) Chiefs - Professional Football
6) Sporting KC - Professional Soccer
7) NASCAR - Kansas City KS, NASCAR Race Track
Antiques:
These are just the larger areas, of course there are smaller individual stores all over the area. I have only been to the River Market store, but have heard wonderful things about the other two places.1. West Bottoms Antique District
2. West Port Antique District
3. RiverMarket Antiques
Music Events:
1. Celebration at the StationThis is a free event put on by the Kansas City Symphony each year. This year it will be on Sunday May 24th at 8pm. It is an outdoor event done on the lawn between the World War I Museum and Union Station.
2. Pops in the Park
Another free community concert put on by the Kansas City Symphony each Labor Day. This year it will be held at the Theatre in the Park at Shawnee Mission Park on Monday, September 3rd at 7pm. This is also an outdoor event and has very fun, well known music.
3. Kauffman Center
Home to the Kansas City Symphony and many wonderful concerts. This relatively new building is home to concerts, operas and many special guest artists.
4. The Midland
A small and older theatre located in Downtown Kansas City. Smaller groups have concerts here and usually come back each year. My family has enjoyed The Piano Guys and Straight No Chaser.
Again, I would love to have any comments below about your favorite places in Kansas City and the surrounding areas. There are many special places tucked away here and some great events that not everyone knows about. Comment away!
Sarah
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