Every major city is filled with all kinds of hidden gems and beautiful secrets to unveil. Truth is, Kansas City is no different! With majestic wonders all over the place, of course you can think of something to do. But what about those things that people DON'T tell you about—you know, things you should really avoid? Or what if it’s worth getting into a little trouble? Just keep reading. I'm sure you'll find quite a few eyeopeners.
Don't mess with the sauce!
Kansas City is a great place to travel to but a horrible place to diet! Now don't get me wrong, this town is full of all sorts of healthy eateries and vegan joints that have a little something everyone would love. But you can' t stop here and not have some of that saucy barbecue. With nostalgic restaurants like Kansas City Joe's and Author Bryant or even Gates, you won't be able to make your way back home without loosening up those pants. Trust me, no one will judge you if you wait until next year to start that new diet.
Arthur Bryant's Barbeque
1727 Brooklyn Ave., Kansas City, MO 64127
816.231.1123
Kansas City Joe's
3002 W. 47th St., Kansas City, KS 66103
913.722.3366
Gates Bar-B-Q
1325 Cleaver II Blvd., Kansas City, MO 64110
816.531.7522
Don't miss the view.
Believe it or not, Kansas City has some of the best high-rise views of the metro. Whether you're wanting to watch the city wake from the City Hall Observation Deck or you and your date want to enjoy a nightcap from the deck view of the World War I museum, just be sure you don't miss the city's skyline twinkle.
City Hall Observation Deck
414 E. 12th St., Kansas City, MO 64106
816.513.2689
National WWI Museum and Memorial
2 Memorial Dr., Kansas City, MO 64108
816.888.8100
Don't be afraid to go into the city.
Believe it or not, the city is where you want to be! Not only is the city busy, it’s probably where you'll find most of your cultural enrichment—not to mention fun! I've lived in Kansas City a few years now, and the biggest lesson I've learned is that this city is divided into districts. Three of them are the Power & Light District, the Jazz & Blues District and the Crossroads District. Even though these three districts are relatively close to one another, they all have CRAZY different vibes. The Power & Light District, in my opinion, is the most touristy—plenty of food, drinks, entertainment, and it’s placed right in the heart of the city. People from all over the world pour into this arrangement of bars enclosed by lights. It's definitely a sight to see, but more of a place you'll meet people who are also traveling, The Power & Light District isn't the first place I’d choose to hang with the locals. The Jazz & Blues District is more of the soulful, toe-tapping, live music move-and-groove kind of district. This urban area is enriched with so many colors, murals, museums and historical landmarks of KC, you can’t miss the culture here. The Crossroads District, which just so happens to be my personal favorite, is like a blend of the first two districts: live bands, great music, art, great bars that happen to have reasonably priced food and drinks, and even a few mom and pop restaurants that taste like no other. The Crossroads District also isn't too far from an area Kansas Citians know as Westport. The two are so close, I like to think of them as one big joint community, but—word to the wise—don’t say that out loud. These two particular sub-zones draw in all the hipsters, and they can get quite testy when you compare their stomping grounds to others. Hey, don't just take my word for it. Go check it out for yourself.
Kansas City Power & Light District
50 E. 13th Street; Suite 200, Kansas City, MO 64106
816.842.1045
Kansas City Jazz & Blues District
1516 E. 18th St., Kansas City, MO 64108
816.221.1719
Kansas City Crossroads District
2000 Block of Central Street, Kansas City, MO 64108
Westport Kansas City
4050 Pennsylvania Ave., Ste. M100, Kansas City, MO 64111
816.531.4370
DON'T corrupt the Kingdom!
Kansas City is one of those cities that goes hard for their sports teams. So when you're here, share in the celebration! There's nothing worse than a Debbie downer, but if you come to a KC sporting event and insult the home team, you're liable to get decked. Sporting fans here take their game and their tailgating seriously! Whether it’s a Royals season opener, a Sporting KC charity event or a Raiders/Chiefs full on battle to the finish, wear the home team's color, smile and wave! And one more word to the wise: Don't insult those Chiefs.
Now, I could go on and on about Kansas City’s housekeeping rules, but that won't leave you much time to explore yourself. So get out there and just don't do what I wouldn't do.
Jessica Samuel loves exploring all that Kansas City has to offer and sharing it with readers.