Austin & Alison
Things To Do In Kansas City
Farmers Market
This is one of Ali's all-time favorite spots! If you're looking for something fun and free to do Saturday morning head over to the River Market Farmer's Market. In the summertime, they have some amazing fruits and veggies! You can always find a street musician playing in one corner and a magician in the next. While Ali lived near the farmers market she would go every Saturday morning to go grocery shopping and get a bouquet of flowers as big as your face for just $10!
The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art
The Nelson is a Kansas City classic. Check out some of the most beautiful art from every continent and culture. There is an endless amount of exhibits, and you most likely won't be able to see everything in one day. Head inside and enjoy admiring the beautiful building and the art, or stay outside and play games on the lawn. There is plenty of art to see outside as well!
Messenger Coffee Co. + Ibis Bakery
Messenger coffee is your go-to caffeine stop. They are known for their tri-level coffee shop and bakery and their rooftop patio. In the heart of downtown, you can enjoy a cup of coffee while overlooking the whole city.
Kansas City Royals Game
The Royals are in town! Why not head out to a ball game! Ali and her family loved going to Kauffman stadium each season to watch the Kansas City Royals. Feel free to grab a hotdog while you're there.
Joe's Kansas City Bar-B-Que
Every good BBQ restaurant started in a gas station, well at least this one did. Kansas City is very proud of their BBQ, and Joe's Kansas City is Ali's go-to place. They are known for their Z-Man sandwich, ribs, and burnt ends.
Boulevard Brewing Company
Boulevard Brewing is one of our local favorites. You are welcome to head inside and enjoy a local beer or sign up for the tour. Enjoy multiple beer samples as they wind you through the brewery explaining their history from start to finish. Finally, they will spill you out into their tasting room where you will get to try multiple of their seasonal and year-round beers.
The Country Club Plaza
The Country Club Plaza is an awesome area to go shopping or simply to walk around outside and enjoy the restaurants and fountains. If you head to the plaza make sure you head to Made in KC shop. They have some of the best local art, a greenhouse, a cereal bar, an ice cream bar, a coffee bar, and a normal bar with local beer all in one place!
Union Station
Union Station is a great place to start exploring the city. Feel free to head inside have brunch or lunch at Harvey's. Union Station is known for its train displays, and exhibits. During the month of July, Union Station will be putting on a Vikings Exhibit. These exhibits are always really well done, and you can't go wrong with all you learners out there.
Science City
Here's one for the kids! Science City is an awesome option for those of you traveling with kids. Science City is inside Union Station. Science City allows kids to play into their curiosity with hands-on activities. $14 gets you a full day pass to explore and wander throughout all of the activities.
Liberty Memorial Mall South
To have the most beautiful view of the city, head to the top of Liberty Memorial. This is a great place to start exploring the city. Enjoy the views and then head to the bottom across from the Union station you are able to hop on the streetcar and ride throughout the rest of the city. If you want to stay at Liberty Memorial a little longer, head inside for the World War I museum. This museum is jammed pack with history and is a great option for all of those history buffs out there.
Crown Center
Crown Center is another great option for kids. While it is KC's hub for live theater, they have some awesome options for kids. Some of the great finds include SEA LIFE Kansas City Aquarium, LEGOLAND® Discovery Center, and Kaleidoscope, an interactive place where kids and their families can create amazing art.
Chicken N Pickle- Kansas City
One of Ali's all-time favorite places to gather with friends. Enjoy some great beer and food while playing a game of pickleball, life-size Jenga, or life-size battleship while overlooking the city.
Pawn and Pint
One of KC's only board game bars. Enjoy pop-culture-themed cocktails while playing your favorite board games or trying a few you never knew existed.
Char Bar
Char Bar is in one of the more historic parts of Kansas City. This area is known for its good food and eclectic atmosphere. Char Bar was one of Ali's favorite spots for Sunday brunch on the patio.
Loose Park Pond
Just looking for a space to get outdoors? Grab a frisbee, some lawn games or just go on a walk around one of KC's most beautiful areas. If you're lucky, the Rose Garden will be in full bloom.
The Green Lady Lounge
One of the things Ali misses most about Kansas City is the opportunity to listen to live music. Kansas City has some awesome spots whether it is someone on the street corner, on the patio of your favorite restaurant, or at a local bar. The Green Lady Lounge is known for its jazz. With multiple levels to explore, grab a drink and enjoy some great live music.
West Bottoms
The West Bottoms is where antique shoppers go to thrive. The West Bottoms is home to bars like the Ship and Stockyards Brewing Co. With an Urban feel you are able to wander through the West Bottoms enjoying the endless levels of antique shops. There are some amazing finds, and some things that will make you say "why would anyone ever want this". That's half the fun!
The Farmhouse
After you've hit up the Farmer's Market walk over to The Farmhouse for some delicious brunch. Everything is farm-to-table from some of the same vendors you may have seen at the market. Everything is delicious and their french press coffee is the best way to start the day.
Thou Mayest - River Quay
Thou Mayest - River Quay (pronounced *Key*) is another great coffee shop in Kansas City. This stop isn't far from the river market. Grab a cup of coffee to go and then walk down to the river and enjoy the walking trails.
Chez Elle Crêperie and Coffeehouse
Chez Elle is such a fun breakfast stop on the West side of town. Chez Elle is a little slice of France offering both sweet and savory crepes. Ali and her mom loved getting one of each and splitting them.
Ponak's Mexican Kitchen & Bar
Ponak's is one of many Mexican restaurants on Southwest Blvd. Margaritas, El Patron, and Manny's are some of the other great Mexican restaurants in this district. You can't go wrong with any of them!
The Roasterie Factory Cafe
The Roasterie is another local coffee shop. They have several locations throughout the city. This location, however, comes fully stocked with your favorite drinks, pastries, and a full tour. The tour allows you to explore the history of coffee and the roasting process while receiving some yummy samples throughout your tour.
Parlor
Parlor is a modern food hall. It has three levels of different food options and bars. This may be an option that pleases the whole group.
Q39 - Midtown
Another great KC BBQ option!
Cooper's Hawk Winery & Restaurant
Ali and her family love heading down to the Plaza and enjoy the wine tastings Cooper's Hawk offers. Head straight for the wine tasting bar and you'll be greeted with 3 different wine tasting options based on what you prefer with 8 wines to try each. You may want to stay and grab a full glass and appetizer or stay for dinner.
18th And Vine
18th and Vine is known as the Jazz District. Kansas City has a rich jazz and blues history dating back to the 1920s. Politician, Tom Pendergast allowed alcohol to flow in Kansas City during the prohibition. This caused the city to house displaced musicians from across the country during this time. This caused several night clubs, speakeasies and music halls to be opened during this time, contributing to the rich music scene. 18th and VIne is also home to the National Negro Baseball Museum. Here you are able to experience and learn the history of the Negro Baseball League which was founded in the 1920s.