The heart of the Heartland, Kansas City is one of those unexpected gems in travel getaways. Filled with creative artists and restaurants, one-of-a-kind museums, and delightful shopping districts, you’ll want to plan another 48 hours soon after this one.
DAY 1
9AM BLUE BIRD BISTRO
1700 SUMMIT KANSAS CITY, MO 64105
Blue Bird Bistro is one of Kansas City’s most popular farm-to-table restaurants, often coordinating opportunities for guests to dine with the farmers who raised the ingredients of their meal. The French Toast with Missouri Pecans is beyond excellent.
10AM THE COUNTRY CLUB PLAZA
47TH AND BROADWA KANSAS CITY, MO, USA 64112
The Country Club Plaza is one of the premiere shopping destinations in North America, but others come to experience the numerous fountains, sculptures and glazed tile artwork – more than 70 all told. It’s an outdoor art museum. Explore on a guided Segway tour or just grab a brochure and do a self-guided exploration, stopping into shop at your leisure.
12PM CLASSIC CUP
301 WEST 47TH ST. KANSAS CITY, MO 64112
While on the Plaza, plan for lunch at the very classic Classic Cup. A main stay of eateries on the Plaza, the Classic Cup has a wonderful sidewalk patio, as well as a secluded back patio and of course, a lovely indoor dining room. Try the Asparagus and Brie salad. 301 West 47th Street, Kansas City, MO United States 64112
2PM THE AMERICAN JAZZ MUSEUM AND THE NEGRO LEAGUES BASEBALL MUSEUM
1616 EAST 18TH STREET KANSAS CITY, MO USA 64108
They say jazz was born in New Orleans, but became a moody, sassy teenager when it came to Kansas City. And why KC? Find out about that and the history of the Negro Baseball League that was born in Kansas City at the fabulous Museums at 18th & Vine. The American Jazz Museum and the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum – essential to any visit to KC.
7PM THE MAJESTIC STEAKHOUSE
931 BROADWAY KANSAS CITY, MO 64105
An authentic Kansas City Strip Steak is on the menu at The Majestic Steakhouse, a historic building that has great stories to tell about the days of Boss Tom Pendergast. Enjoy a steak dinner and then head downstairs for some live jazz, seven nights a week. 931 Broadway, Kansas City, MO United States 64105
11PM MUTUAL MUSICIANS FOUNDATION
931 BROADWAY KANSAS CITY, MO USA 64108
The oldest continuously operating jazz joint in the world is the Mutual Musicians Foundation. So although you may want to head out just before, it doesn’t open until midnight and really gets hopping about the time the sun peaks its head in the windows. This is the only place in the state of Missouri to have a license to sell alcohol until 6 AM.
DAY 2
10AM PARISI COFFEE
30 W. PERSHING RD. KANSAS CITY, MO 64108
Kansas City has an expansive coffee culture with lots of independent shops to choose from. But Parisi Coffee has the top barista in the United States, according to the Specialty Coffee Association of America. His name is Paul Licata and he oversees the brewing operations at Parisi’s flagship location inside Union Station.
11AM UNION STATION
30 WEST PERSHING RD KANSAS CITY, MO UNITED STATES 64108
After coffee, explore the history and magnificence of Kansas City’s Union Station. Search outside for the bullet holes from a gangster shoot-out with Pretty Boy Floyd in 1933. Rotating exhibits in the Grand Hall bring everything from Princess Diana’s wedding gown to Titanic artifacts to the science of Rock n’ Roll.
12PM CROWN CENTER
2405 GRAND BLVD. KANSAS CITY, MO 64108
Lunch, shopping, theatre and more fun at Crown Center, the world headquarters of Hallmark Cards. The complex has dozens of fun restaurants. For a little fun, try Crayola Café, or for some good Kansas City barbecue, try Three Little Pigs. Learn the history of Hallmark at the Hallmark Visitors Center, then get creative yourself at Legoland or just explore Missouri underwater at the SeaLife Aquarium.
3PM LIBERTY MEMORIAL
100 WEST 26TH STREET KANSAS CITY, MO UNITED STATES 64108
Take a ride to the top of the Liberty Memorial, 217-foot tower overlooking Kansas City, built to honor those who served and died in World War I. Underneath is the National World War I Museum, an interactive and engaging explanation of the “war to end all wars.”
7PM JACK STACK’S
101 W. 22ND ST. KANSAS CITY, MO 64108
You can’t come to Kansas City without trying some barbecue. There are nearly 100 joints to choose from, but start with Jack Stack’s in the Crossroads Arts District. Located in a renovated freight house behind Union Station, Jack Stack’s has great ribs and cheesy corn.
9PM MARTINI CORNER
408 EAST 31ST STREET KANSAS CITY, MO UNITED STATES 64108
Martini Corner is the home to several fun joints that get busy long after the sun goes down. The Drop Bistro has a great wine selection, but is best known for its martinis. Across the street, test the margaritas at Sol Cantina.
WHERE TO STAY: SOUTHMORELAND BED & BREAKFAST
116 E. 46TH ST. KANSAS CITY, MO 64112
Who doesn't love a good B&B? Conveniently located near Country Club Plaza, the Southmoreland Bed and Breakfast is 100-year old home that's been decorated to reflect the great leaders who built Kansas City. And they serve barbecue for breakfast.