Colin & Megan
Things To Do
National WWI Museum and Memorial
KC has America’s official WW1 museum which houses the world’s most comprehensive WW1 collection. The memorial above the museum has one of the best views of downtown (and you can take an elevator up the Liberty Memorial Tower for an even better vantage point). This museum has a nearby streetcar stop named “WW1 Museum & Memorial”.
The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art
The Nelson-Atkins is a KC institution that showcases thousands of art pieces of all mediums from world-renowned artists. The grounds are home to KC’s iconic shuttlecock sculptures and admission is always free! This museum has a nearby streetcar stop named “Art Museums”. It is also a 10 minute (0.4 mile) walk from the Marriott.
The Museum of Kansas City
This museum is in the old mansion of a KC lumber baron. It details the evolution of Kansas city with exhibits about the city’s past, present, and future. Admission is free and there is an old-school milkshake/soda parlor in the basement! This museum is in the Pendleton Heights neighborhood and would require an Uber / car to get to from the hotel.
Negro Leagues Baseball Museum
This museum is the world’s only national museum dedicated to preserving and celebrating the rich history of African American baseball and its impact on the social advancement of America. Exhibits include historical artifacts, bios, and a “Field of Dreams”. This is located in the 18th & Vine district and would require an Uber / car to get to from the hotel.
Union Station Kansas City
Our historic train station that has beautiful architecture and a few exhibits. Free to go in and explore - make sure to look for the bullet holes on the front of the building! This place has its own streetcar stop named “Union Station”.
Ragazza Food & Wine
A nice Italian spot right off the Southmoreland streetcar stop!
Cafe Trio
American eatery with a piano and patio that is walkable from the Hotel and Plaza!
The Wise Guy
Italian restaurant in the downtown crossroads district serving up pizzas, pasta, and more. On the same block as the Crossroads streetcar stop.
Parlor
Parlor is a food hall concept with several stalls with different cuisines. Motherclucker is our favorite - we love the tenders! Also in the crossroads district.
Billie's Grocery
This place is delicious and has a lot of options! Breakfast and lunch are served all day, and this is the most gluten free - friendly place we’ve been - you can’t taste the difference!
Baramee Thai Bistro
Northeastern Thai restaurant with offerings from curry and spring rolls to delicious noodle dishes. We enjoy the pad thai here! Nearby the Crossroads streetcar stop.
Freight House
The Freight House is right across the tracks from Union Station (there is a pedestrian walkway over). It is home to three restaurants: Jack Stack (BBQ), Grunauer (Austrian), and Lidia’s (Italian).
The Campground
Our favorite date night spot! Cozy little place nestled in the Stockyards District with an outdoor theme. We enjoy grabbing a drink and some fries here.
Boulevard Brewing Company
Boulevard is KC's largest brewery, and the largest specialty brewer in the Midwest. This place has a large beer hall and patio with plenty of open seating, along with 30+ beers on tap!
Voltaire
Also in the Stockyards District, Voltaire has nice lightning, a long wooden bar, and old-school records playing. They have a nice happy hour as well!
The Ship
Awesome nautical themed bar in the West bottoms that serves reasonably priced food and drink. They occasionally host stand up and musical acts as well. All Else The Sea!
Green Lady Lounge
The Green Lady Lounge has live Kansas City Jazz, nightly, 24/7/365. Low lighting, cool decor, and a fun atmosphere, we visit here when we can. There are typically bands playing upstairs and downstairs.
Swordfish Tom's
Speakeasy in the basement of an old KC building with a big boiler in it. First come first serve, friendly staff, and great drinks!
McLain's Bakery
One of our favorite places in the city! You’ll find us here on Saturday mornings after our run/bike with Bill and Bonnie – Colin gets the Chicken Wrap and Megan gets a Plain and Simple (and we don’t forget the pastries!). This coffee shop is located about 10 minutes south of the city (unfortunately not along the streetcar). If you take a gander out there don’t leave without trying their cupcookies!
Mildred's Food + Drink
Awesome coffee shop, located in the crossroads (4 min walk from the Crossroads Streetcar stop)! Some people say they have the best egg sandwich in the city (though Megan is still a McLain’s loyalist). Fun Fact: Megan & Gals stopped here to finalize her wedding dress decision!
Three Bees Pottery And Coffee Shop
Adorable and very unique! They even have Mexican pottery for you to shop! Not a ton of seating space, but we’ve really enjoyed sitting outside when it’s nice. Highly recommend trying their specialty lattes!
Thou Mayest - River Quay
Very cozy, with a very cute vibe! Brick building with lots of plants, located in the River Market (1 min walk from River Market West Streetcar Stop). This is a great place to snag a latte and chill for a while (Megan can confirm, they will give you your latte in a mug not a to go cup!!). If you get out to the River Market, also check out the City Market’s Farmer’s Market for local treats!
Messenger Coffee Co. + Ibis Bakery
Looking for a unique spot? This coffee shop is 3 stories, and has a rooftop for you to check out! It’s a 4 minute walk from the Kauffman Center Streetcar Stop.
The Roasterie Factory Cafe
This place might have the best Iced Mocha in the city. AND they have their own factory you can tour! It’s a coffee stop and a fun activity - what could be better? There are multiple locations, but the Factory location is a short drive from the nearest streetcar stop.