Downtown Kansas City is mostly the economic heart of the city, with very little to see and do by itself. There are almost no hotels here, except a few business hotels, and no attractions of great interest. The downtown core is bordered by a ring…Read More

Downtown Kansas City is mostly the economic heart of the city, with very little to see and do by itself. There are almost no hotels here, except a few business hotels, and no attractions of great interest. The downtown core is bordered by a ring of Interstate highways (670, 70, and 35).

The interest here lies in the architecture of its many buildings, which some term "Little Manhattan." The city is home to many impressive buildings, from art deco to more modern types.

There are a couple things of interest downtown, easily seen on the following walking tour of the downtown core:

Start your walk at the transit center of downtown, at 12th and Main. Here you'll find a nice fountain, but a bit tarnished from vandalism. Begin walking west down 12th Street, passing the Marriott Hotel on your right. In front of the Marriott is the beautiful centerpiece of downtown, Allis Plaza. The huge fountain in front of the plaza, modeled as a row of short spouts, spilling down onto a small staircase, is very beautiful and something to be appreciated. Check out the statue in the center of the Plaza, of a soldier on horseback.

From Allis Plaza, walk another block west on 12th. On your left you will see the gigantic Kansas City Convention Center, and Bartle Hall. Choose for yourself whether to detour to visit this great center. When you're ready to move on, begin walking north on Broadway Blvd through Kansas City's theatre district, admiring some of the old theatres along the way. Turn left onto 9th Street and walk 4 blocks to Jefferson, then another block on your right to Clark's Point, where the Lewis and Clark statue sits, overlooking the bluffs of the Missouri River. Read about their accomplishments exploring the Missouri, then continue a block east on 8th Street to Pennsylvania Avenue. Turn left here and walk north a block to 7th Street, then it's a long 1/2 mile walk to Walnut Street.

At Walnut, turn north and walk 4 blocks or so to the River Market district, the perfect place to rest your tired feet and enjoy a lunch or a cold brew at the River Market Brewing Company. Wander around the shops here and admire the old buildings, then head back down Walnut, until you reach 8th street. Here, turn left (east) and walk to Oak Street, then make a right and walk south on Oak. You will pass some of Kansas City's most impressive legal buildings, like the Whitaker Federal Courthouse and the Kansas City Municipal Courthouse. When you reach 12th street, head back west, passing City Hall, until you reach your origin point at 12th and Main Street.

This walking trip covers the main sights of downtown Kansas City, and shouldn't take you more than 2-3 hours. It's around 3 miles in length, and it's the perfect way to get acquainted with the city center.

Discover Downtown Kansas City online at: www.downtownkc.org
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On the eastern side of the city and located adjacent to Interstate 70, you'll find the Truman Sports Complex, site of Kauffman Stadium (home of the Kansas City Royals) and Arrowhead Stadium (home of the Kansas City Chiefs). During the summer months, the Royals…Read More

On the eastern side of the city and located adjacent to Interstate 70, you'll find the Truman Sports Complex, site of Kauffman Stadium (home of the Kansas City Royals) and Arrowhead Stadium (home of the Kansas City Chiefs). During the summer months, the Royals play their home games in this recently renovated and very unique baseball stadium. Shaped somewhat like a seashell with an open view of passing interstate traffic, Kauffman is best known for it's flowing waterfalls in beyond the outfield wall. Sporting a 10-story tall crown shaped scoreboard in center field and an oversized replay board in left field, Kauffman is one of the more attractive ballparks in the major leagues. Although the Royals haven't won a pennant in several years and haven't captured a World Series since 1985, Royals fans continue to support their team. You likely won't find 60,000 people at these games and as a result, you can take the family to the ballgame for an affordable amount of money. The most expensive seats, located in the club level, will set you back $19 and the view seats (upper deck) are only a few bucks. In this reasonably small older ballpark there are truly no bad seats in the stadium. If you opt for the club level seats you'll find that your seats are under the uppderdeck overhang so you won't suffer from a sunburn and you'll also be treated with a padded seat.

If you're in the market for a Royals souvenir, shops are located around the ballpark, but the largest and most easily accesible is located directly inside the main gates of the ballpark. Parking is abundant and will cost you $6 and this is one of few stadiums I have visited where traffic leaving the stadium isn't a massive burden. If you live in Kansas City, or passing through, or making a special trip here to watch baseball, you'll certainly be rewarded with a memorable experience in a very nice ballpark.Close

One of my favorite trips to Kansas City occurred in the springtime last year with my younger kids. It wasn't so much of what we did while we were there, but in the experience of getting there. We decided to take the train into Kansas…Read More

One of my favorite trips to Kansas City occurred in the springtime last year with my younger kids. It wasn't so much of what we did while we were there, but in the experience of getting there.

We decided to take the train into Kansas City. We live on the east side of the state in Missouri and decided to catch an Amtrak for a weekend getaway. The time on the train was much more relaxing than the drive and a great experience for my kids. We played cards, talked, ate a snack in the dining car, and enjoyed the scenery along the way. The train station is one block from Crown Center, so we didn't even need transportation to our hotel close by.

We visited Union Station and Science City. While we were there we ate at a little cafe where we could watch the people come through and could almost picture what it used to be like when people were there catching their trains. We shopped and saw a movie at Crown Center. It was a great little escape for us and I wish I'd do those things more often!

Many cities offer the experience of Shakespeare in the Park, but this is something truly special. Maybe it is the perfect park setting. Southmoreland Park is next to the Nelson Atkins Art Museum and is within walking distance of the Plaza. As you enter the…Read More

Many cities offer the experience of Shakespeare in the Park, but this is something truly special. Maybe it is the perfect park setting. Southmoreland Park is next to the Nelson Atkins Art Museum and is within walking distance of the Plaza. As you enter the park, there are Shakespearean actors and entertainers on hand to set the mood and answer questions. This leads to a hillside with the open air stage at the base.

It is done exactly as Shakespeare intended, with a very simple stage and backdrop so that we can really focus on the characters. You pick a piece of hillside, throw out your blanket, and settle in for an evening under the stars on a warm Missouri evening. Don't forget to bring your picnic basket. I always include a bottle of wine.

The troupe offers alternating productions - one night a comedy, one night a tragedy. This way if you are in town for several evenings you can choose which you prefer. Or possibly, if you enjoy the experience as I have, you can do both. It is completely free and whether or not you have been a Shakespeare fan or even understand the production, I promise after this evening event you will be a Kansas City fan!

From the moment you arrive on this gorgeous hilly campus, you'll be welcomed by buildings of an attractive modern architecture and a park-like atmosphere. Although located minutes from downtown Kansas City, the campus itself will make you feel as though you're in the country…Read More

From the moment you arrive on this gorgeous hilly campus, you'll be welcomed by buildings of an attractive modern architecture and a park-like atmosphere. Although located minutes from downtown Kansas City, the campus itself will make you feel as though you're in the country (except for the occasional peek of a skyscraper on the horizon). Offering a full range of programs for undergraduates through professional students, the campus is an inviting prospect for any college student. As you drive around the campus, be wary of the fact that many streets are one way but other than that you should have no problems exploring the campus. Parking is plentiful and free and you'll likely find that getting around is very simple and straight forward. If looking for a school to attend or a campus that can provide a strong library and event schedule, UMKC may be a perfect fit. And don't forget the campus mascot the Kangaroo! Close

Plaza Lighting Ceremony ---Over 200,000 jewel-colored bulbs transform the Country Club Plaza into a twinkling wonderland of color and light. Crown Center Ice Terrace ---The Crown Center has KC's only public outdoor ice skating rink. It is open throughout the winter. There is skate rental…Read More

Plaza Lighting Ceremony ---Over 200,000 jewel-colored bulbs transform the Country Club Plaza into a twinkling wonderland of color and light.

Crown Center Ice Terrace ---The Crown Center has KC's only public outdoor ice skating rink. It is open throughout the winter. There is skate rental available.

Mayor's Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony ---The Crown Center is home to the nation's tallest Christmas tree.

Crayola Christmas Land --- As children wait to visit with Santa Claus they can play with supersized Crayola products at the Crown Center.

Westport is in the heart of Kansas City. Westport has a special sound, smell & atmosphere which is truly its own. The small village which lies just north of the Plaza, is a unique place, because its streets are filled with history and mystery.…Read More

Westport is in the heart of Kansas City. Westport has a special sound, smell & atmosphere which is truly its own. The small village which lies just north of the Plaza, is a unique place, because its streets are filled with history and mystery.

More than 150 years ago, thousands of people came to Westport ready to start a new life in a growing city. As more and more settlers came into Westport looking to make a life, the town kept growing, finally to the point that there was nowhere to grow. The new city created was Kansas City.

Today, Westport is the popular destination for young people looking for a good time. The many nightclubs and bars draw them to the area. The streets are filled with the sounds of a dance music. The restaurant smells filter through the city streets. This is the place to be after dark!

Kansas City has its share of microbreweries too. Before leaving town, try some of the Boulevard Brewing Co. selections. The brewery started in 1989 and is located in a turn-of-the-century brick building. So try some Boulevard Unfiltered Wheat, Pale Ale, Bully Porter, or Tenpenny Ale.…Read More

Kansas City has its share of microbreweries too. Before leaving town, try some of the Boulevard Brewing Co. selections. The brewery started in 1989 and is located in a turn-of-the-century brick building. So try some Boulevard Unfiltered Wheat, Pale Ale, Bully Porter, or Tenpenny Ale. My preference if for the Unfiltered Wheat.Close

www.countryclubplaza.com/holidays.html Thanksgiving night is special to those who live in Kansas City. It is a tradition to celebrate the up-coming winter holidays by lighting over 75 miles of lights strung on the buildings of the plaza. More than 250,000 people gather to see the lights lit.…Read More

www.countryclubplaza.com/holidays.html Thanksgiving night is special to those who live in Kansas City. It is a tradition to celebrate the up-coming winter holidays by lighting over 75 miles of lights strung on the buildings of the plaza. More than 250,000 people gather to see the lights lit. The lights stay on from Thanksgiving night until mid January. This event has become known nationally. more than 200,000 colored lights lit from 5 pm to 3 am towers, buidings, balconys 14 sqare block shopping area workers must replace 10,000 lights The festivities begin early and the lighting happens at 7 PM sharp. Get there early to get a good parking spot. The traffic is horrendous too. Truly worth it, though. Close

The Country Club Plaza is a slighly upscale outdoor shopping region in Kansas City. Just a few miles south of downtown KC. There are many excellent resturaunts in the plaza. Any kind of food imaginable is here. There are 3 amazing Italian resturaunts, 1 great…Read More

The Country Club Plaza is a slighly upscale outdoor shopping region in Kansas City. Just a few miles south of downtown KC. There are many excellent resturaunts in the plaza. Any kind of food imaginable is here. There are 3 amazing Italian resturaunts, 1 great Japanese Steakhouse, 2 really good Chinese resturaunts, and many others.

As far as shopping goes, you can buy alost anything here. There are shops for everyone from the Discovery Channel store, to FAO Schwartz toy store, to Saks Fifth Avenue, to The Gap. Everyone should experience the Country Club Plaza at least once.