My perfect Kansas City trip: burnt ends at the legendary barbecue joints, jazz and baseball history at 18th & Vine, coffee and chocolate in the Crossroads, then the Nelson-Atkins and a stroll around the Plaza. These are the spots I send every fri...
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I spend Saturday mornings at the City Market grabbing produce, spices, and street food from the vendors.
City Market
I catch a symphony or touring show at the Kauffman Center, and the shell-shaped building is stunning at night.
Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts
I pick up a box of Christopher Elbow's jewel-like bonbons every time I'm in the Crossroads.
Christopher Elbow Chocolates
I grab a latte and a pastry at Messenger and take it up to the rooftop patio.
Messenger Coffee Co. + Ibis Bakery
I order a gin cocktail in Tom's Town's gorgeous art deco tasting room, a nod to KC's Prohibition days.
Tom's Town Distilling Co.
I get a giant cheesesteak or a slice at Grinders and hang out on the patio on a warm night.
Grinders Pizza
Lulu's drunken noodles are my go-to comfort meal in the Crossroads.
Lulu's Thai Noodle Shop
I squeeze onto a stool at Town Topic for a griddled double cheeseburger at this tiny 1937 diner.
Town Topic
I go to Jack Stack's Freight House for burnt ends and their famous cheesy corn bake.
Jack Stack Barbecue - Freight House
I always walk through the Grand Hall at Union Station to look up at the huge clock and 95-foot ceilings.
Kansas City
I take the Boulevard brewery tour and finish with a Tank 7 in the beer hall.
Boulevard Brewing Beer Hall
The Negro Leagues Baseball Museum is a must for me, and walking the Field of Legends gives me chills.
Negro Leagues Baseball Museum
I learn about Charlie Parker and KC's jazz legends at the American Jazz Museum right on 18th & Vine.
American Jazz Museum
I end the night with live jazz at The Blue Room, a real working jazz club inside the museum.
The Blue Room
I order a beef sandwich piled on white bread with fries at Arthur Bryant's, a KC barbecue legend.
Arthur Bryant's Barbeque
I love getting greeted with 'Hi, may I help you?' at Gates and ordering the rib tips with their tangy sauce.
Gates Bar-B-Q
Q39's burnt ends and apple-smoked wings are some of the best barbecue I've had anywhere.
Q39 - Midtown
I hit Char Bar in Westport for the Burnt Heaven sandwich and a game of bocce in the huge beer garden.
Char Bar
I go to Stroud's for pan-fried chicken, cinnamon rolls, and family-style sides in an old log house.
Stroud's Oak Ridge Manor
I catch a Royals game at Kauffman Stadium for barbecue in the stands and the famous outfield fountains.
Kauffman Stadium
I tailgate at Arrowhead on Chiefs game day, and the crowd noise is unreal.
Arrowhead Stadium
I start a night out at the Power & Light District, especially when there's a big game on the screens in KC Live.
Power and Light District
I spend a full day at the Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium, and the penguins and sea turtle tank are my favorites.
Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium
The National WWI Museum is one of the best museums I've ever visited, and the Liberty Memorial tower has the best skyline view in town.
National WWI Museum and Memorial
I wander Crown Center for shops and the LEGOLAND and SEA LIFE attractions when I've got kids along.
Crown Center
I stroll the Spanish-style Country Club Plaza for its fountains and shops, especially when the holiday lights are up.
Country Club Plaza
I grab a steakburger and a frosty malt at Winstead's, a Plaza classic since 1940.
Winstead's Steakburgers
The Nelson-Atkins is free, and I always start out on the lawn with the giant shuttlecock sculptures.
The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art
I pop into the free Kemper Museum for contemporary art and say hi to the big spider sculpture out front.
Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art
I walk the rose garden and pond loop at Loose Park on a sunny afternoon.
Loose Park Garden Center
I always get a scoop of something creative at Betty Rae's, Waldo's favorite ice cream shop.
Betty Rae's Ice Cream
I wait in line at Joe's original gas station location for the Z-Man sandwich and a side of fries.
Joe's KC BBQ
LC's smoky, no-frills burnt ends are my favorite under-the-radar barbecue in the city.
