A Day Trip Itinerary: Exploring the Best of Kansas City

thomashoward995
Sep 12
5 min read

If you’re looking for the perfect getaway filled with culture, food, and fun, look no further than Kansas City. Known for its rich history, vibrant arts scene, and mouth-watering barbeque, Kansas City offers a plethora of activities that can turn an ordinary day trip into an extraordinary adventure. In this blog post, we’ll outline a comprehensive itinerary that ensures you experience the best of what this charming Midwestern city has to offer.

Start Your Day with Breakfast in the City

Fuel up for your day by starting your morning at one of Kansas City’s beloved breakfast spots. Here are two fantastic options:

Classic Breakfast: Head over to theEggtc., known for its incredible variety of egg dishes and pancakes that will leave your taste buds dancing.
Local Favorite: TheSunflower Cafeoffers a cozy atmosphere and a farm-fresh menu, perfect for an energizing breakfast before exploring.

Don’t forget to grab a local coffee from one of the artisanal cafes nearby to kickstart your day!

Discover Kansas City's Rich Arts Scene

After breakfast, it’s time to immerse yourself in the arts and culture that Kansas City is famous for. Begin your artistic adventure at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. This museum boasts an impressive collection ranging from ancient artifacts to contemporary artworks, all housed within stunning architecture.

Highlights to look for:

The stunning outdoor sculpture park, complete with a giant shuttlecock.
A remarkable collection of Asian art that is one of the most extensive in the nation.
Occasional temporary exhibitions that showcase both local and international artists.

Once you’ve had your fill of art, stroll through the Country Club Plaza, a shopping district inspired by Spanish architecture. While it's an excellent place for retail therapy, your day trip itinerary allows you to simply walk and take in the sights and sounds of this charming area.

Interactive Learning at Union Station

Your next stop should be the iconic Union Station. Once a bustling train depot, Union Station is now home to a variety of attractions, dining options, and shops, making it a perfect pit stop for your day trip.

Inside, you can visit:

Science City: An interactive science museum that’s perfect for all ages, offering hands-on exhibits that will spark your curiosity.
World War I Museum: The museum offers a comprehensive overview of the war, showcasing artifacts that tell the stories of those who served.

Lunch with a Local Flare

After exploring Union Station, it's time to refuel with lunch. Kansas City is renowned for its barbeque, and you simply cannot leave without experiencing it. Here are two must-visit spots:

Joe's Kansas City Bar-B-Que: Housed in a former gas station, this local favorite serves up award-winning ribs and sandwiches.
Gates Bar-B-Q: Known for their zesty sauce and juicy cuts of meat, Gates is a Kansas City institution that promises a delectable experience.

Afternoon Excitement at the Zoo

Post-lunch, take a short drive to the Kansas City Zoo. Spanning over 200 acres, this zoo features a variety of animals from around the world, with an emphasis on conservation.

Highlights include:

The Safari Expedition: An immersive experience that allows you to get up close and personal with exotic animals.
The $10.5 million Polar Bears exhibit that features the majestic creatures in a naturalistic environment.

The zoo offers chilling relaxation spots to enjoy a frozen treat while watching the animals interact in their habitat.

Explore Local History at the 18th & Vine District

Your Kansas City adventure wouldn’t be complete without experiencing its historical roots. Head over to the 18th & Vine District, a vibrant neighborhood that played a pivotal role in the development of jazz music in the city.

Visit the American Jazz Museum to explore exhibits dedicated to legendary jazz artists like Charlie Parker. Don’t forget to stop by the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, where you can learn about the incredible athletes who played during segregation.

Dinnertime: Savoring Local Cuisine

As evening approaches, you’ll want to refresh your palate with a delicious dinner. Kansas City offers an abundance of culinary options, each reflecting the unique blend of cultures found within the city.

Steak Lovers Unite: TheRyerestaurant is known for its local farm-to-table dishes, with an impressive selection of meats and seasonal vegetables.
Italian Delight: VisitPorto Do Sulfor an unforgettable experience featuring Italian classics and stunning views of the Kansas City skyline.

Experience Nightlife in the Power & Light District

Finish off your day with a taste of Kansas City’s vibrant nightlife at the Power & Light District. This lively area is filled with bars, live music venues, and entertainment options to keep you buzzing into the night.

Check out places like:

Howl at the Moon: A dueling piano bar that promises an energetic atmosphere.
Live Jazz Venue: TheBlue Roomoffers incredible live jazz performances, allowing you to soak in the rhythms of Kansas City.

Wrap it Up with Sweet Treats

Before heading home, treat yourself to a sweet dessert. Kansas City offers a wonderful selection of bakeries and dessert spots that are sure to satisfy your craving.

TheGiovanni’s:Home to the best tiramisu and cannoli in the city, it's perfect for a sweet end to your culinary adventure.
Watch for Frozen Custard: Don’t leave without stopping atWhitakersfor a creamy custard that will have your taste buds begging for more.

Your Unforgettable Day in Kansas City Awaits!

With great food, warm hospitality, and rich culture, a day trip to Kansas City promises to be filled with unforgettable experiences. Whether you're an art enthusiast, history buff, or a foodie at heart, this city is an ideal destination that meets diverse interests. So pack your bags, lace up your walking shoes, and make your way to Kansas City for a day that will surely fill your heart with memories!

FAQs

What are some breakfast options in Kansas City?

You can start your day at Eggtc. for a variety of egg dishes and pancakes, or visit the Sunflower Cafe for a cozy atmosphere and farm-fresh menu.

What are the must-see attractions in Kansas City's arts scene?

The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art is a highlight, featuring an impressive collection of art and an outdoor sculpture park with a giant shuttlecock.

What can I find at Union Station?

Union Station houses Science City, an interactive science museum, and the World War I Museum, showcasing artifacts from the war.

Where can I enjoy Kansas City barbeque for lunch?

You should try Joe's Kansas City Bar-B-Que for award-winning ribs or Gates Bar-B-Q for their zesty sauce and juicy cuts of meat.

What nightlife options are available in Kansas City?

The Power & Light District offers a lively nightlife with bars and live music venues, including Howl at the Moon and the Blue Room for live jazz.