Kansas City Travel Guide

Sizzling, exotic, fast pace, exciting. These are words that would normally describe a big city full of wonderful sights and sounds. First class restaurants along the strip and uptown living sure don't seem like the description of Kansas City, but in fact the "Heart of America" is all these things and so much more. Kansas City is one of America's most unique cities. It spans across both Kansas and Missouri and embodies so many colorful characteristics of the past wrapped up, jumbled around, and mixed in with the spirit of the present. The city is often referred to as the "City of Fountains", secondin number of fountains to Rome, Italy.

Kansas City is a buzzing metropolis full of history, entertainment and some of the nation's most recognizable franchises. To truly experience Kansas City is to love Kansas City. You could sit back and unwind with the musical soul of the city. Lay back and relax with the locals who are always ready to tell you exactly why downtown Kansas City is only for the "cool cats" and certainly is not the place for those "cornball jive turkeys". These downtown streets overflow with the history of jazz and blues. Some of the most profound jazz musicians got their start in Kansas City. Many of theses musicians are still honored today in the historic 18th and Vine St. District. It is here that the legacy of jazz music, in addition to the historic tradition of the National Negro Baseball League, has been revitalized and restored for all to enjoy. You can take a guided tour of the downtown district and hear great stories about the legends of the National Negro Baseball League then grab some lunch from any one of the restaurants that line the strip and catch one of the musical showcases from local artists who continue the tradition of the world-class musicians who all made their mark in Kansas City.

Just north of downtown lies one of Kansas City's most recognizable outdoor attractions. Originally constructed in 1939 then renovated in 1990 the City Market offers so many different shops, galleries, boutiques and restaurants; it is a must-see on any tourist's list of things to do and fun for the whole family. It is often historically considered the spark that lit the fire of Kansas City, which was originally known as the Town of Kansas. The City Market is a bargain shopper's dream, a traveler's paradise and the heart of Kansas City that is all ways pumping.

It can almost be considered cruel and inhumane to mention Kansas City without taking the time to pay homage to the legendary and award winning Kansas City Bar-B-Q. The aroma alone inspires salivation as far as the nose can smell. True the Carolinas claim to be the "Cradle of American Bar-B-Q" and Texans can sizzle a brisket like none other but when it comes to truly finger-lickin', rib- stickin' bar-b-q, Kansas City brings it all together and stands head and shoulders above the rest. The Kansas City tradition is centered on the dry rub-spiced, slow roasted prime pieces smothered in the smoothest, thickest, sweetest, tangiest sauces in the universe. With over ninety barbeque joints throughout the city, that great Kansas City Bar-B-Q can be tasted and enjoyed for years and years to come.

Now after you've seen experienced the culture, had your fill of the Kansas City history and home style barbeque, it is time to have a little fun. For the lovers of the outdoors, Kansas City has more than a half dozen parks with thousands of acres especially designed for hiking, fishing, hunting, and camping out under the prairie moon. Swope Park is the largest in the Kansas City Park System and second largest city park in the United States. Expanding over 1,769 acres, Swope Park includes the Kansas City Zoo, which is just over ten years old; the Sprint IMAX Theatre, which is an amazing experience that casts images across a screen more than six stories high; and the enormous 7,795-seat Starlight Theatre, where you can enjoy live "Broadway-style" shows under the night sky.

Don't forget to make time for Kansas City's own outdoor water and amusement parks, Worlds of Fun and Oceans of Fun. These adjacent parks are sure to provide hours upon hours of fun for the whole family. Spend the morning splashing around in the Wave Pool and sliding down the numerous water slides, then dry off in the afternoon on the exciting roller coaster rides at Worlds of Fun. It is sure to be an adventure you will not soon forget. For the sports fans, be sure to visit the Chiefs at Arrowhead stadium and enjoy a day of phenomenal action. And remember to buy some peanuts and Cracker Jacks as you cheer on the Royals at Kauffman Stadium.

This city is amazing. It has so many different personalities that are compatible with the diversity of its citizens and visitors. It is an experience like none other and the only way for you to really know just how incredible this city really is is to head out to the Midwest and experience Kansas City for yourself.