Kansas City has a lot of nicknames: “City of Fountains,” “Jazz Capital of the World” and “The BBQ Capital of the World.” This just shows how many amazing things there are to see, hear and taste in this lively city. Sports fans have their pick of stadiums and a fascinating museum to explore. The music scene here can’t be beat, especially for jazz lovers, and the clubs offer an energetic nightlife. The dining choices are vast and varied, from satisfying BBQ to elegant prix-fixe menus. Add in world-class shopping, an impressive performing arts center and an exceptional art museum and you have a city for everyone.
A short drive from Kansas City discover the charming, historic town of Independence Missouri. Guests at the elegant Silver Heart Inn Bed and Breakfast enjoy the tranquil wooded property that’s close to all the Kansas City attractions. Consider it your personal private retreat after a day on the town. Reserve your luxurious guest suite and plan a summer escape before the sunny days slip away!
10 Best Attractions in Kansas City
- Baseball – Kauffman Stadium, known as Kansas City’s Crown Jewel, is the ideal place to spend a summer day at a Kansas City Royals game. Baseball fans will also enjoy visiting the Negro League Baseball Museum. It’s the world’s only museum dedicated to the history of African-American baseball.
- Football – Football can mean “soccer” to some and American football to others, luckily Kansas City has both. For professional American soccer, check out a Sporting Kansas City game (more often called Sporting KC). Cheer on the team at the Children’s Mercy Park. While the Kansas City Chiefs NFL team brings the noise to Arrowhead Stadium.
- Shopping – Find superior shopping while surrounded by beautiful Spanish architecture, sculptures, fountains and murals at the Kansas City Country Club Plaza. Browse the high end shops in this 15-block area just north of the river. If visiting in September, the Plaza Art Fair is a popular event with over 200 artists participating.
- Dining – Kansas City is known for great BBQ but there’s a lot of choice in this foodie town. There are just too many BBQ places to list but rustic and inviting Q39 is a local favorite. While Joe’s Kansas City is pretty famous and also housed in a working gas station. The quirky and budget friendly Town Topic serves up a burger joint experience. For the freshest farm-to-table dining stop by The Farmhouse. Corvino creates 13-course tasting menus of globally-inspired comfort food. And reservations are a must to dine at chic Bluestem and Antler Room.
- Breweries and Distilleries – Kansas City has over 50 exceptional breweries and distilleries. For great local brews the Crossroads District is the place to go. Boulevard Brewing Company, Border Brewing Company and Brewery Emperial are all staples. While Casual Animal Brewing, Double Shift Brewing Company, and Torn Label Brewing Company specialize in smaller batch beers. Also find potent spirits in the Kansas City made whiskeys, gins, vodkas and more. J. Rieger’s offers a unique sherry-blended whiskey, while brave souls can sip locally produced absinthe at Lifted Spirits. Try the award winning spirits at Tom’s Town elegant Art Deco tasting room and S.D. Strong Distilling gin produced in their cave location.
- Nightlife – There’s plenty of late night action in Kansas City and the Power & Light District is the spot for clubs and dancing. Mosaic, Shark Bar, PBR Big Sky, and Howl at the Moon serve up a variety of music and entertainment. For a quieter, classy cocktail lounge try Repeal 18th, SoT, and Manifesto. While Pawn & Pints, Tapcade, and Up-Down invite you to play like a kid but with adult beverages.
- Jazz – Foremost, Kansas City is a Jazz town and has an entire Jazz district along with the only American Jazz Museum in the country. This is the place for lovers of jazz music and clubs like the Blue Room and Green Lady
Lounge deliver the best. - Performances – Big concerts, opera, theater, and dance are all found at The Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts. While smaller venues like the Riot Room, Uptown Theater, Knuckleheads, Arvest Bank Theater and recordBar offer a variety of entertainment for all tastes.
- The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art – The gorgeous neoclassical architecture hints at the treasures within this premier art museum. European and American artists are represented with paintings by Caravaggio, Pissarro, and De Kooning. They also have an impressive collection of Asian and Native American Art. Don’t forget to take a group photo in front of the iconic huge shuttlecock on the grounds.
- The Arabia Steamboat Museum – Who doesn’t love the mystery of sunken treasure? Maybe that’s why this museum is such a popular attraction. Sunk on September 5, 1856, The Arabia Steamboat was recovered in 1988 and over 100 year old artifacts are on display. Clothing, fine china, guns, tools and toys along with the world’s oldest jar of pickles are all part of the exhibit.
After playing at neighboring Kansas City enjoy the peaceful gardens at the Silver Heart Inn Bed and Breakfast. Relax in the comfort of perfectly appointed guest suites and cottages. Book a summer getaway to quaint Independence with all the nearby action of a big city.
