Plan My Trip: Kansas City

Posted by Jeannette Kimmel on June 28, 2010
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The latest in the ongoing series in which the editors of Traveler Magazine take travel suggestions from readers… Read more reader suggested itineraries here.

3955632249_ed6bebe11a_b.jpgThis week, I’m taking my history-teacher boyfriend on a road trip around Kansas City, from Abilene, Kansas, to Independence, Missouri, and everything in between (for all you history buffs out there, the libraries and grave sites of Eisenhower and Truman are already on our list). But there’s only so much presidential history I can take, so I want to know what else there is to see and do while we’re there, from the best restaurant in Abilene, to hip museums in Kansas City, to festivals, to (of course) where to get the best barbecue. Let me know in the comments below!

Photo: JimmyWayne via Flickr

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Comments

  1. Ashley Thompson
    June 28, 2010, 3:21 pm

    Check out the massive “Community Bookshelf” at the Kansas City Public Library! For BBQ go to Jack Stack or Smokestack — owned by the same people but Smokestack is the original. Also worth a visit is the City Market area, with several pretty decent ethnic restaurants and a big farmers market every Saturday morning. Nelson-Atkins museum has an Egyptian photography exhibit right now I think, and though I have never done it myself, the jazz district and the jazz museum would be a great diversion from presidential sites. And you have to go right through Lawrence, KS to get to Abilene!! Eat at Wheatfield’s for breakfast/brunch!

  2. Alex
    June 28, 2010, 4:54 pm

    Is kansas city a good place to live? I am thinking about moving there AZ. I am a die hard chiefs fan and I Want to be closer. Whats the weather like and job market?

  3. Tammy
    June 28, 2010, 5:34 pm

    If you like Italian food, go to Garozzo’s and order the chicken spiedini. It’s the best! The atmosphere in the downtown location is fun too. It’s like stepping back in time. http://www.garozzos.com/

  4. Jessie Fetterling
    June 28, 2010, 6:00 pm

    Definitely check out Gate’s BBQ. It has unbelievable sauce. Oklahoma Joe’s BBQ and Arthur Bryant’s come in as a close second, as far as great BBQ restaurants go. I suggest trying at least a couple thought because I guarantee it’s like nothing you ever had. The Nelson-Atkins and Kemper Art museums both offer great art, and I’m pretty sure they’re free! Liberty Memorial offers a beautiful view of the city. Crown Center and Union Station are really close to one another and offer another unique part of KC history. Of course, The Country Club Plaza, Westport and the City Market are all great areas to visit, as well.

  5. Kara L-P
    June 29, 2010, 12:34 am

    The artsy, multi-cultural part of town is Westport – Tea Drops is a great spot for bubble tea. Want Italian? Want Thai? Want Brooklyn-style pizza? Want Indian? There you go.
    The beautiful, Seville-styled architecture of the Plaza, along with its world class shopping is worth a stop. You’ll see the fountains that make the city famous.
    As the above comments suggest, a barbecue tour is another way to dive into KC culture: Jack Stack, Oklahoma Joe’s, and Arthur Bryant’s (a cult favorite) are definitely worthy of a visit. Each have their own specialties: for instance, at Jack Stack order the burnt ends and THE BEST baked beans in the world.
    I’d definitely suggest the Nelson Atkins Art Museum, since it’s got a well-chosen, wide-ranging collection of pieces in a beautiful space. The cafe is a peaceful, magical place to stop for a cup of coffee and cake by the fountain.
    For a one-of-a-kind museum experience, try the Steamship Arabia Museum in the City Market area. An entire steamship was dredged out of a field where the Missouri River had once been (and the ship had sunk). It’s quite the story and collection!
    Kansas City is also a city of great racial, cultural, and socio-economic division. It’s hard to see these divisions from the touristy areas. Drive from the Plaza south down Ward Parkway (a big boulevard-styled road complete with gorgeous fountains and views of picturesque mansions), then turn east/left onto Meyer Blvd (a giant roundabout) and go through the Brookside neighborhood and see the change in homes and wealth, visible even from the street.
    I attended grad school in Kansas City and will always have a dear place in my heart for that place!

  6. Kevin Evans
    July 2, 2010, 12:47 pm

    It’s been a few years since I was last in KC, but the 76th Street Brewery (now the 76th Street Bar & Grill I think) used to have wonderful pub food and of course great beer. Not sure if they still make their own – great shame if not because it was excellent. Near Overland Park.