Trifter

Kansas City, Missouri is known for beautiful fountains, barbeque, and jazz. Yes, as strange as it sounds, this “Cowtown,” as it’s often called, is almost as well known for the origins of jazz as New Orleans.

Kansas City is a truly unique city. You’ll find some of the best barbeque in the United States, with world famous barbeque contests occurring several times a year. Kansas City is also home to some of the best steakhouses as well, i.e. the Kansas City Strip Streak got its name here.

Many times, Kansas City, Missouri is overlooked as a possible tourist city. You’ll find some terrific attractions here. There is Worlds of Fun, a great amusement park in the fashion of Six Flags. You’ll also find the only Negro League Baseball Museum in the Country here. There are also two major league sports teams, the Kansas City Chiefs and the Kansas City Royals. While neither team did so well this year, it’s a great way to pass some time while you’re here.

The Sprint Center just recently opened and is a terrific venue for concerts and many other shows. There is ample parking and an array of new nightlife choices within walking distance.

The area of 18th and Vine is dedicated to jazz and its history. You’ll find a great collection of jazz clubs and some terrific southern restaurants here as well. This area of town has been completely redone to mimic the jazz era of years gone by. It truly is as if you are walking back into history.

Kansas City has some of the best shopping in the Midwest as well. The Crown Center Plaza features upscale, top of the line shopping, as well as five star restaurants. This area of the city is highlighted by the Westin Crown Center Hotel, which has a revolving restaurant on the top floor. Reservations are not only suggested, they are required.

Transportation is a breeze in Kansas City. There is an international airport, with shuttle services to almost any hotel. Car rental is available at the airport; however, if you are traveling on a budget, you may wish to rent your car from a location in the city. Kansas City recently passed a tourist tax on all car rentals at the airport and often it is more than cost of the rental itself.

For history buffs, the nearby city of Independence has the Truman Home and the Truman library. These two locations pay tribute to Harry S. Truman, one the United States Presidents, born in Independence. If art is more your preference, you will thoroughly enjoy the Nelson-Atkins Art Museum. This outstanding museum features different exhibits frequently, but also has a beautiful collection of works from all over the world. There is also a great little café inside the museum, perfect for a light lunch.

Kansas City, Missouri is often overlooked on the tourist’s choice of destination in the United States, but really is a great city to explore. Consider this city on your next vacation getaway.