This local perspective on Kansas City comes from Linda Szewczyk. Linda has lived in many cities and feels that Kansas City has something for everyone to enjoy. After reading through her terrific answers, I can see that she is right. Kansas City is a place full of surprises. For example, did you know that it is only 30 miles from the birthplace of Basketball and has more BBQ restaurants than anywhere else in the U.S.?! This last part could come as a surprise for all you Texans out there….myself included! I think that you will enjoy this glimpse into Missouri’s ‘finest city’.
1. Give five adjectives that you would use to describe the “feel” of Kansas City and its residents?
Beautiful, Surprising, Complex, Picturesque, and Sophisticated.
(It seems that those on the coasts are generally unfamiliar with the Mid-West. Having lived in many cities, I found Kansas City has something for everyone to enjoy.)
2. What is your favorite neighborhood/area of Kansas City?
The Country Club Plaza district, it is an area of majestic homes, towering trees, retail shops and restaurants. The architecture is styled after cities of the Iberian Peninsulaand is credited with being the country’s first shopping center.
3. Which cuisine do you think Kansas Citydoes best? What is the runner-up? (Feel free to share your favorite restaurants).
Kansas City was home to some of the country’s original stockyards and therefore is known for luscious beef. The city boasts many fine steak houses, including the Hereford House, The Savoy Grill, and The Majestic Steakhouse. They serve up terrific jazz along with their scrumptious steaks. Equal to Kansas City steaks is the barbecue! Of my favorites, Fiorella’s Jack Stack tops the list.
4. What is the best free thing to do?
Kansas Cityis home to Hallmark Cards. The Crown Center surrounds the Hallmark headquarters. Stroll three levels of shopping and dining at the Crown Center.You can visit Kaleidoscope a hands on art experience for children 5 to
12 sponsored by Hallmark. Enjoy free Friday Night Concerts and Flicks on the lawn outside Crown Center.
During the summers the Crown Center Square Fountain’s 48 water shooters perform a dancing water show synchronized by the Kansas City Symphony. During the winter, you can ice skate at the Ice Terrace in the square for a small fee.
The Coterie Theater, American Heartland Theater and Off Center Theater are located within the CrownCenterand offer shows for all ages. Tickets must be purchased for shows.
5. What is your favorite type of entertainment?
Kansas Cityhas the BLUES and all that JAZZ. Some of the greatest jazz players of all time started in the clubs of Kansas City. In the 18th and Vine and the Power and Light District fans can find many clubs,
bars, and music festivals.
6. List the best family friendly activity.
Family activities are abound in Kansas City. From the professional teams, the Royals baseball and Chiefs football and NASCAR, to the amusement parks of Worlds of Fun and Oceans of Fun, provide year-round entertainment for all!
7. What spot would you send a couple, looking for a romantic weekend?
The Country Club Plaza is a great choice! The Raphael, an elegant boutique hotel, is a wonderful retreat for a romantic weekend. Stroll the boulevards of the Plaza, dine at the Plaza IIIor just have margaritas on the patio at Baja 600. Take a horse-drawn carriage ride and admire the awesome array of the beautiful fountains which are abundant in Kansas City.
8. Describe the perfect day…one that captures what your area/city is all about– In three sentences or less.
Almost any day is perfect in Kansas City, despite or because of the true four season climate; there is always something to do, on the coldest winter day or the steamiest day in July. Visit the shops, restaurants, and other attractions and you are always greeted with friendly hospitality. I guess it’s the people I most enjoy.
9. Tell us about a place that you love to go whether it is in the guidebooks or not.
The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art has an outstanding collection of artifacts from ancient times to modern day, and admission is free! Have lunch at the museum’s RozelleCourtRestaurantor picnic on the
scenic grounds.
10. What question did we not ask that we should have (and answer it, of course!)?
Little Known Facts:
-Kansas Cityhas the most extensive public display of European statuary and fountains in the country, with at last count over 200 fountains.
-Independence, part of the Kansas City metro area, was home to Harry S. Truman our 33rd President. His home and library are open to the public.
-The University of Kansas in Lawrence, Kansas located 40 miles west of Kansas Cityis home to the NCAA Champion KU Jayhawks and is the birthplace of game of basketball.
-The Kansas City Barbecue Society reports that KC has more barbecue restaurants per capita than any other city in the country.
Do you have a city you would love to tell us about? Send us an e-mail or comment on this post and maybe you can become our next local expert!
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2 Responses
Linda - Thanks for fleshing out KC for me. I had no idea it had so many dimensions. I knew it was known for good beef, but I’m astounded it beats TX in BBQ restaurants per capita. I’m also intrigued by the European statuary and fountains. In fact, the shooting water from the fountain dancing to symphony music sounds really good right now during a hot TX summer. But, then, so does a great blues or jazz club. “Can I have a cosmo with that steak, please?” Thanks for sharing your Kansas City with us. kbd
Thanks Linda! I love hanging out at Jazz clubs like The Phoenix and the steakhouses here are phenomenal! There are a lot of perks to living in KC, and I really like my building complex. It’s a Signature Community so I get a lot of perks like dry cleaning delivery and gym membership. I’m originally from Cali, but absolutely love KC and can’t see myself leaving anytime soon.