Time and time again, I get asked where to go and what to do when coming to Kansas City. I am not an expert, but I can have fun just about anywhere. If you can too, check out some of the places I've listed below for a less commercialized, raw experience of KC. A lot of times I find these places by simply just saying "yes" when friends/coworkers/neighbors are making plans or want to meet up somewhere, so - thank you to them for acquainting me. Go with the flow, the less plans, the better the experience.
Here are a few of my favorites.......................
Walking/Running/Being Outside:
Liberty Memorial - Right in front of Union Station with a great view of the downtown skyline. There are always a handful of people running and walking around the trail on the front lawn. Good incline for a moderate workout and a nice place to defuse after work.
Riverfront Park - Directly to the north of the City Market, this is a relaxing trail that runs along the Missouri River. Beautiful views of the Kit Bond and Broadway bridges, without the city feel. I always feel safer walking/working out with a friend here.
Loose Park - Located a couple blocks south of The Plaza, this is my favorite park in Kansas City. Whether you're there to take pictures, read, run, or have lunch, this place is usually booming with friendly, energetic Kansas Citians.
Union Station/Liberty Memorial
Riverfront Park
Wildflowers at Loose Park
Events/Happenings
River Market - Every Saturday and Sunday there's a farmer's market with tons of fresh (cheap) produce, crafts, flowers, spices, meats, home grown and handmade from all over the metro and surrounding communities. Everything is usually picked over/closing down by 3ish so it's best to get there mid morning or around the lunch hour. (lunch at Harry's + shopping and walking around the River Market = fun little Saturday) Take cash ($20 can be stretched here!) and check it out!
First Friday's - The first Friday of every month, the Crossroads Arts District hosts an event where food vendors, live music, and pop up art galleries scatter across the streets of the Crossroads. Food Truck Friday next to the old Kansas City Star building is the perfect place to grab a bite to eat while you're out and about with some of the tastiest vendors in the area--be prepared to wait in line!
West Bottoms Shopping - The first weekend of every month, the West Bottoms turns into one of the busiest places in the city with shops and vendors selling unique handmade items, repurposed furniture, and plenty of those "darling, have to have it" items. Cheap? Eh...depends on what you're looking for. Lot's of cute stuff with neat places to get ideas, and maybe even some fun gifts for upcoming occasions.
Eats - undoubtedly my best subject
Harry's Country Club - Stationed in the City Market (River Market, City Market are used interchangeably) I love this place for their fun, every day appetizers and sandwiches you could honestly make at home or buy at the store. Don't let the name fool you, this is a cute little spot that's reasonable with a cool patio serving Kansas City specialities such as the Missouri Mule. Things to try here: Homemade Potato Chips and French Onion Dip, Chicken Salad Sandwich, City Fried Steak with Mashed Potatoes & Gravy.
Rudy's Tenampa Taqueria - Westport area authentic Mexican food with queso you won't stop eating until it runs out. Don't try going on a Sunday, they're CLOSED. I love this place because it is cheap, GOOD Mexican food with great service and lunch and dinner specials. They have two types of cheese dips (which is my favorite food group) and I honestly never remember which one we had the time before, so whatever they bring you is sure to satisfy.
Moretina's Caddy Shack - When it comes to pizza, this is the best kept secret in KC. Their pizza (why do I keep wanting to capitalize Pizza???) has a sweet tasting sauce, an excessive amount of cheese, and I top mine with sausage, which is a little spicy! (BRB - I THINK I'LL ORDER ONE OF THESE RIGHT NOW)
Garozzo's - Italian HEAVEN. They have a sweet, savory tomato sauce (I clearly like SWEET^) with a house salad that will make your mouth water just thinking about it. There are a few locations sprinkled across the city, but the only one I've been to and obviously my favorite is the original one located to the east of the City Market. This is a smaller location, so be sure to make reservations if you plan on going Thursday - Saturday. You can bring in your own wine on Mondays and on your birthday they'll treat you to a FREE Chicken Spiedini meal.
Grinders - Another great spot for lunch that won't disappoint. They offer everything from pizza to philly cheese steaks and juicy burgers. Eat outside or in and enjoy the feels of being downtown seeing everyone from corporate offices to service workers coming in and out for lunch.
Happy Hours
Kona Grill - Kona is a chain, but it is by far one of my favorite places to meet up with friends, catch up over a couple drinks, and eat one (or two) of their happy hour items which happen to be very inexpensive. Their HH goes until 7pm which is an extra hour later than most spots on the plaza or hit up the late happy hour from 10pm-12am. Get here early if you want a table, happy hour is only offered on the bar side and starts at 3pm.
Gram & Dun - The Plaza is clearly my favorite Happy Hour spot....Gram & Dun is a little pricier in reference to the others listed but has a breezy patio that's perfect for a warm spring afternoon. If we can't sit outside, we usually try to find somewhere else.
John's Big Deck - Located downtown, be prepared to walk up a couple flights of stairs to get to the deck, but it is well worth the climb. They offer big beers for CHEAP and a neat rooftop atmosphere with fire pits and great music.
Things to Try
KC StreetCar - The long awaited KC StreetCar is now live! This is free to ride and runs from Union Station to the City Market. It runs along Main Street and has several stops including the public library, PNL, and there's enough cars that one comes about every 10-15 minutes. Super fun experience and did I mention FREE?!
Hot Country Nights - Thursday night country concerts throughout the summer are FREE! ....And so fun! Be careful if you have to work the next day ;) There's a $2 parking garage underneath PNL (enter off of 13th) or I would suggest Ubering! Check out the line up here-http://www.powerandlightdistrict.com/index.cfm?page=concert-series
Plaza Art Fair - This takes place in the fall and is a huge event that shuts down the streets of the plaza. Hundreds of tents filled with art from local artists (I can't tell you if I actually even looked at any art this last year) and, lots of good FOOD, drinks, and music. Oh yeah..and a great place to people watch.
Nightlife
Some may ask, is this place dangerous? Are we safe? Most likely if you stay with your group, don't go anywhere by yourself, and don't get involved in anyone else's business - yes, you'll be safe. Don't take any chances walking alone (men or women) or driving-- Uber is the best way to get around (if there's a surge - just wait it out or take a taxi). If a friend doesn't have Uber yet, sign them up with your code and you've got a free ride to and from the bar.
Westport - $7 Uber ride from downtown, this is the place where most of the young professionals, recent college graduates who live in KC gather for a fun night out with friends, or at least that's the vibe I get. Pretty laid back and only a couple of bars have cover charges. It's better to go with a fun group because it can get pretty clique-y here, not a lot of people are necessarily trying to go out of their way to meet new people! My favorite - Kelly's Westport Inn
Country Club Plaza - The pregame spot for Westport. The Plaza is my favorite spot to start the night. Check out The Granfalloon for inexpensive drinks, great bar food, and a lot of people who have their sh*t together! $8-9 Uber ride from downtown!
Power & Light - If you're into the club scene, wanting to dance, or get out and meet new people, this is your place. I have a love-hate relationship with PNL. It can tend to be a little "touristy" with the bachelorette parties (notice I'm not complaining about the bachelor parties) and concert crowds, but this is a place you can almost ALWAYS have fun. No cover charge if you get there before 11pm! My favorite - PBR Big Sky
Waldo - Chillest place in KC, guaranteed to have a good time and not spend too much money. $15 Uber ride from the downtown area and fairly close if you're coming from Overland Park. Recently, my favorite spot here is Johnny Kaw's which has $2 bottles and wells ALL the time.
Kanza Hall - Get your boots ready! This is my favorite country spot in the metro. It's located in a strip mall in Overland Park and you're guaranteed to have a good time if you like country music. If not, there are 3 other bars in the same bar (whoa) that offer other types of music and crowds. $5 to get in!
The Cigar Box - 2 words: AL LATTA! The most entertaining, best (not so) kept secret. The Cigar Box is a block from PNL and offers incredible Italian food along with classy cocktails and the best lounge singer in the area.
Al Latta
Again, I'm definitely not an expert and there are still several places and events I'm dying to experience! I'm always looking for new spots/things to try so if you have a favorite that's not listed above, please share!
Cheers!
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