Top Recommended Layover Activities:
1. Arthur Bryant's
1727 Brooklyn Ave, at E 18th St, Kansas City, MO 64127 · 816-231-1123
Considered by many to be the best barbecue spot in Kansas City, this rustic joint is always hopping at lunch as CEO's and secretaries rub shoulders with cops and construction workers over deliciously tangy fare. Offerings include excellent beef briskets, BBQ ribs, and greasy fries. Perfect place to munch and people watch. Casual attire. You'll find another location at the Ameristar Casino, 8201 NE Birmingham Road (816-414-7474).
2. Oak Room
401 Ward Pkwy, Fairmont Kansas City at the Plaza, Kansas City, MO 64112 · 816-756-1500
One of the true jewels of Kansas City's culinary scene, this elegant restaurant overlooks Country Club Plaza and Brush Creek thanks to a number of floor-to-ceiling windows. Dine in grand style while the professional waitstaff caters to every need and the kitchen prepares delightful dishes to help start off your day: blue crab omelets, French toast, and eggs benedict, for example. On Sundays, the Oak Room features a fabulous gourmet-caliber buffet brunch. Brunch reservations are suggested.
3. Oklahoma Joe's Barbecue
3002 W 47th St, Kansas City, KS 66103 · 913-722-3366
From the outside, Oklahoma Joe's looks like little more than a swanky corner mart. As a matter of fact, you CAN fill up your car's tank here - unleaded, premium, super, whatever! After you’ve filled up with gas, make sure you take care of your tummy. Appearances aside, what you'll find at this Mission Road gem may just be some of KC's best and most tender BBQ. From the brisket sandwich smothered in hot sauce to tender pork ribs served with red beans and rice, Oklahoma Joe's knows how to keep its regulars satisfied.
4. Country Club Plaza
47th St and Wornall Rd, Kansas City, MO 64112 · 816-753-0100
Country Club Plaza is the heart and soul of Kansas City. Boasting Saks Fifth Avenue, Victoria's Secret, Barnes & Noble and Pottery Barn, this pedestrian-friendly area along the banks of Brush Creek is a true shopper's haven. At night, after the cozy boutiques close, the Plaza hums with new energy as scores of locals and tourists head over, looking to take advantage of the many dining and nightlife options. Each year, during the Yuletide season, thousands flock to the Plaza for the simultaneous lighting of the 14-block area.
5. Westport Historic District
40th St to 43rd St, between Main St and SW Trafficway, Kansas City, MO 64111
Westport Landing dates back to the 1830s, when wagon trains heading west on the California, Oregon, and Santa Fe Trails stopped for supplies and repairs. Nowadays, the rough, red-brick buildings house trendy boutiques and specialty shops, along with hip bars and upscale restaurants, making the Landing one of the hubs of Kansas City's social scene.
6. Kelly's Westport Inn
500 Westport Rd, Kansas City, MO 64111-3012 · 816-561-5800
Located in what may be the city's oldest building (it was once owned by the grandson of frontiersman Daniel Boone), Kelly's provides the Westport crowd with a touch of famous Irish charm - and has done so for more than 50 years. The classic green and stained-wood entrance anticipates the experience awaiting at one of the Midwest's most famous watering holes. Cozy booths flank a traditional bar area, and you’ll likely have a bit of trouble finding an available place to park yourself. The place is decorated with a lifetime’s worth of memories, from framed newspaper clippings to photographs to plaques proclaiming the virtues of the place. Best of all, your favorite brews are on tap, and the Guinness and Harp are so tasty, you'd think they came straight from Dublin. A superb pub menu attracts a good mix of regulars for lunch - construction workers, gamblers, judges, and doctors.
Top Weekend Getaways And Day Trip Excursions:
1. Arrowhead Stadium
1 Arrowhead Dr, Kansas City, MO 64129 · 816-920-9300
Home of the beloved Chiefs, Arrowhead has seen more than its share of great NFLers, including Joe Montana, Marcus Allen, Derrick Thomas, Len Dawson, and colorful head coach Hank Stram. For more than 25 years, crowds of rabid, red-clad fans have crowded into Arrowhead each fall to cheer and holler for the Chiefs. If you get the chance, make it to a Raiders game, since no other team brings out the Chiefs' emotions like this inter-divisional rival.
2. Harry S. Truman Home
223 N Main St, Truman National Historic Site, Independence, MO 64050 · 816-254-2720
This historic site offers a glimpse at the 33rd president's life and career. The white, Victorian-style home looks much as it did in the early 20th century, complete with period antiques and family heirlooms. During the Truman presidency, the home was referred to as the "Summer White House." The site also features the homes of Bess Truman's two brothers and the home of the president's aunt (on nearby Delaware Street). Tours are limited to eight people, and tckets are time-specific, issued on a first-come, first-served basis.
3. Harry S. Truman Presidential Library Museum
500 W U.S. Hwy 24, U.S. 24 and Delaware, Independence, MO 64050 · 816-833-1400
One of 10 US presidential libraries, this impressive memorial to America's 33rd president is fascinating. Featured in its holdings is a prolific collection of landmark historical documents that address subjects such as the Korean War, NATO, the Berlin Airlift, the desegregation of the Armed Forces, and the Manhattan Project. Many personal items are on display as well, including a temporary exhibit of Truman's personal correspondence to his wife, Bess.
4. Pony Express National Memorial & St. Joseph
914 Penn St, St. Joseph, MO 64503-2544 · 816-232-8471
About 60 miles north of Kansas City, historic St. Joseph was the starting point for Pony Express riders heading west on the 2000-mile trip to Sacramento. At the site, visitors can see stables where "Wild Bill" Hickok and "Buffalo" Bill Cody saddled up for the daring dart across the Plains. Other "must-sees" include the Jesse James Home, where the infamous gunslinger was shot dead in 1882; the Patee House, once an elegant 140-room hotel; and the St. Joseph State Psychiatric Hospital, home of the Glore Psychiatric Museum.
5. Harrah's North Kansas City
1 Riverboat Dr, Kansas City, MO 64116 · 816-472-7777
The Kansas City branch of this popular company offers more than 1,000 slot machines, along with blackjack, craps, Pai Gow poker, multi-action blackjack, and mini-Baccarat. Also on the grounds are a spectacular 200-room hotel and excellent on-site dining options. In addition, you'll find a children's arcade and sports bar; meeting facilities are available as well.
1. Arthur Bryant's
1727 Brooklyn Ave, at E 18th St, Kansas City, MO 64127 · 816-231-1123
Considered by many to be the best barbecue spot in Kansas City, this rustic joint is always hopping at lunch as CEO's and secretaries rub shoulders with cops and construction workers over deliciously tangy fare. Offerings include excellent beef briskets, BBQ ribs, and greasy fries. Perfect place to munch and people watch. Casual attire. You'll find another location at the Ameristar Casino, 8201 NE Birmingham Road (816-414-7474).
2. Oak Room
401 Ward Pkwy, Fairmont Kansas City at the Plaza, Kansas City, MO 64112 · 816-756-1500
One of the true jewels of Kansas City's culinary scene, this elegant restaurant overlooks Country Club Plaza and Brush Creek thanks to a number of floor-to-ceiling windows. Dine in grand style while the professional waitstaff caters to every need and the kitchen prepares delightful dishes to help start off your day: blue crab omelets, French toast, and eggs benedict, for example. On Sundays, the Oak Room features a fabulous gourmet-caliber buffet brunch. Brunch reservations are suggested.
3. Oklahoma Joe's Barbecue
3002 W 47th St, Kansas City, KS 66103 · 913-722-3366
From the outside, Oklahoma Joe's looks like little more than a swanky corner mart. As a matter of fact, you CAN fill up your car's tank here - unleaded, premium, super, whatever! After you’ve filled up with gas, make sure you take care of your tummy. Appearances aside, what you'll find at this Mission Road gem may just be some of KC's best and most tender BBQ. From the brisket sandwich smothered in hot sauce to tender pork ribs served with red beans and rice, Oklahoma Joe's knows how to keep its regulars satisfied.
4. Country Club Plaza
47th St and Wornall Rd, Kansas City, MO 64112 · 816-753-0100
Country Club Plaza is the heart and soul of Kansas City. Boasting Saks Fifth Avenue, Victoria's Secret, Barnes & Noble and Pottery Barn, this pedestrian-friendly area along the banks of Brush Creek is a true shopper's haven. At night, after the cozy boutiques close, the Plaza hums with new energy as scores of locals and tourists head over, looking to take advantage of the many dining and nightlife options. Each year, during the Yuletide season, thousands flock to the Plaza for the simultaneous lighting of the 14-block area.
5. Westport Historic District
40th St to 43rd St, between Main St and SW Trafficway, Kansas City, MO 64111
Westport Landing dates back to the 1830s, when wagon trains heading west on the California, Oregon, and Santa Fe Trails stopped for supplies and repairs. Nowadays, the rough, red-brick buildings house trendy boutiques and specialty shops, along with hip bars and upscale restaurants, making the Landing one of the hubs of Kansas City's social scene.
6. Kelly's Westport Inn
500 Westport Rd, Kansas City, MO 64111-3012 · 816-561-5800
Located in what may be the city's oldest building (it was once owned by the grandson of frontiersman Daniel Boone), Kelly's provides the Westport crowd with a touch of famous Irish charm - and has done so for more than 50 years. The classic green and stained-wood entrance anticipates the experience awaiting at one of the Midwest's most famous watering holes. Cozy booths flank a traditional bar area, and you’ll likely have a bit of trouble finding an available place to park yourself. The place is decorated with a lifetime’s worth of memories, from framed newspaper clippings to photographs to plaques proclaiming the virtues of the place. Best of all, your favorite brews are on tap, and the Guinness and Harp are so tasty, you'd think they came straight from Dublin. A superb pub menu attracts a good mix of regulars for lunch - construction workers, gamblers, judges, and doctors.
Top Weekend Getaways And Day Trip Excursions:
1. Arrowhead Stadium
1 Arrowhead Dr, Kansas City, MO 64129 · 816-920-9300
Home of the beloved Chiefs, Arrowhead has seen more than its share of great NFLers, including Joe Montana, Marcus Allen, Derrick Thomas, Len Dawson, and colorful head coach Hank Stram. For more than 25 years, crowds of rabid, red-clad fans have crowded into Arrowhead each fall to cheer and holler for the Chiefs. If you get the chance, make it to a Raiders game, since no other team brings out the Chiefs' emotions like this inter-divisional rival.
2. Harry S. Truman Home
223 N Main St, Truman National Historic Site, Independence, MO 64050 · 816-254-2720
This historic site offers a glimpse at the 33rd president's life and career. The white, Victorian-style home looks much as it did in the early 20th century, complete with period antiques and family heirlooms. During the Truman presidency, the home was referred to as the "Summer White House." The site also features the homes of Bess Truman's two brothers and the home of the president's aunt (on nearby Delaware Street). Tours are limited to eight people, and tckets are time-specific, issued on a first-come, first-served basis.
3. Harry S. Truman Presidential Library Museum
500 W U.S. Hwy 24, U.S. 24 and Delaware, Independence, MO 64050 · 816-833-1400
One of 10 US presidential libraries, this impressive memorial to America's 33rd president is fascinating. Featured in its holdings is a prolific collection of landmark historical documents that address subjects such as the Korean War, NATO, the Berlin Airlift, the desegregation of the Armed Forces, and the Manhattan Project. Many personal items are on display as well, including a temporary exhibit of Truman's personal correspondence to his wife, Bess.
4. Pony Express National Memorial & St. Joseph
914 Penn St, St. Joseph, MO 64503-2544 · 816-232-8471
About 60 miles north of Kansas City, historic St. Joseph was the starting point for Pony Express riders heading west on the 2000-mile trip to Sacramento. At the site, visitors can see stables where "Wild Bill" Hickok and "Buffalo" Bill Cody saddled up for the daring dart across the Plains. Other "must-sees" include the Jesse James Home, where the infamous gunslinger was shot dead in 1882; the Patee House, once an elegant 140-room hotel; and the St. Joseph State Psychiatric Hospital, home of the Glore Psychiatric Museum.
5. Harrah's North Kansas City
1 Riverboat Dr, Kansas City, MO 64116 · 816-472-7777
The Kansas City branch of this popular company offers more than 1,000 slot machines, along with blackjack, craps, Pai Gow poker, multi-action blackjack, and mini-Baccarat. Also on the grounds are a spectacular 200-room hotel and excellent on-site dining options. In addition, you'll find a children's arcade and sports bar; meeting facilities are available as well.