Things To Do

The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art

We went here on one of our first few dates! See the iconic shuttlecocks on the lawn. It truly is a world class museum that is free to the public. They have a new impressionist wing that is incredible.

River Market

Lots of restaurants and little shops. The farmers market is on Saturdays and Sundays. You can take the streetcar from here all the way down main to Union Station.

Country Club Plaza

Restaurants, shops, and cute Spanish style architecture.

Old Westport

Restaurants, shops, and a few clubs/lounges for night life.

National WWI Museum and Memorial

You don't even have to go inside, it’s fun to walk around the outside on the lawn of the museum and there is a pretty view. This is the only WWI museum in America.

Science City at Union Station

This was always Gabrielle's favorite field trip in elementary school. Cory went as an adult and enjoyed it too.

Negro Leagues Baseball Museum

American Jazz Museum

Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium

It’s very spread out so be prepared for a lot of walking, but nice!

LEGOLAND Discovery Center Kansas City

and Sea Life Aquarium (in the same building…I don’t understand why)

Made in KC Marketplace - Plaza

Westside Storey

souvenirs

Charlie Hustle

souvenirs and the iconic KC shirt

Messenger Coffee Co. + Ibis Bakery

A 3-story amazing coffee shop in the Crossroads. This features a mill inside the coffee shop with amazing daily fresh baked goods and bread. There is a roof top where you can see an awesome view of Kansas City

Cafe Cà Phê

Kansas City's first Vietnamese coffee shop! First gen woman owned, Gabrielle strongly recommends.

Oddly Correct Coffee Bar

If you are a coffee snob then this place is for you. They are a no-frills hardcore coffee shop. Don't ask for creamer or they will judge you.

Chez Elle Crêperie and Coffeehouse

If you like crepes, come here. If you don't still maybe come here?

Jack Stack Barbecue - Freight House

Kansas City BBQ with my favorite sides. This is where Gabrielle grew up going the most frequently. A sit-down restaurant close to the iconic Union Station.

Q39 - Midtown

Newer to the KC BBQ scene. relaxed BBQ with good meat

Slap's BBQ

Newer divey joint owned by a guy Gabrielle went to high school with.

Arthur Bryant's Barbeque

Another OG spot. This was my great-grandpas favorite spot and we always got him a slab of ribs for every holiday

Gates Bar-B-Q

An OG spot. spicier BBQ sauce compared to the typically sweeter sauce you’ll find in KC. Warning, they will scream at you to take your order the minute you walk in so look at the menu and know your order ahead of time to avoid being stressed

Joe's Kansas City Bar-B-Que

Classic BBQ in a revamped gas station. Get the Z man sandwich

Fritz's

Fun if you have little kids. Your meal will get delivered by a train from the ceiling!

Succotash

Basically no frills style brunch with good vibes. It’s mostly vegan/vegetarian but has some meat options.

Happy Gillis

Our favorite brunch near the river front

Holt's Donuts

If you happen to be on the south side of the city you have to go to Holts donuts. this was the spot I grew up going to. But you have to get there early because they sell out quick!

Fluffy Fresh Donuts

donut shop open since 1959

LaMar's Donuts and Coffee

Snooze, an A.M. Eatery

One of the best brunches in Westport

Town Topic Hamburgers Broadway

Best spot for a late night burger

Winstead's Steakburgers

Diner with the biggest milkshake for four to six people

Blue Koi

Asian fusion. This is the one spot in KC that I will go to every time I’m home. It’s out of the way on the Kansas side but the almond asparagus shrimp dish with wide noodles is my favorite meal of all time

Thai House Restaurant

Wouldn’t recommend going here necessarily but this is where Cory and I had our first date in 2017 so it holds a special place in our heart.

Christopher Elbow Chocolates

J. Rieger & Co.

Distillery founded in 1887. You can take a tour with a 40ft slide at the end.

Swordfish Tom's

This is a speakeasy in the crossroads with delicious cocktails. Go down the alley, find the door. Go down into the basement and check to see if the light is green. Use the knocker to have someone let you in.

Green Lady Lounge

A jazz lounge with red velvet seating and amazing live music. Experience the KC Jazz scene. Drinks or no drinks, this place is incredible. $10 cover charge.

Boulevard Brewing Company

When Gabrielle first moved away from KC and lived in DC for three years she finally found a bar in DC that sold Boulevard and cried.