Nov Trip to Kansas City - Must-See Attractions?

[quiverfull7]

I get to travel to Kansas City in Nov. with DH for a training and I just get to play... actually I plan to SLEEP IN ... they have a couple activities planned for Saturday that are NOT mandatory... so I'm tossing this out there to find out from anyone in KC or who has been there... is there an attraction we don't want to miss?

 

[Leigh0725]

The Plaza is nice, depending on the weather. If you're coming after Thanksgiving that is when all the holiday lights are on. The Nelson is a really cool art muesum. I strongly recommend NOT going to the zoo, as it is not that good. My family is from Omaha, so I'm used to the famous Omaha Henerly Dorly Zoo. Hmmm, there is also Union Station (not sure what exhibit is there) - we got to see the Dead Sea Scrolls when that traveling exhibit came to KC. If you have kids that are going, there is stuff to do at Crown Center. There are some casinos here if that is something you're interested in. I may have to post again, as I am drawing a blank on some other stuff.

 

[Leigh0725]

Ok - check out this link: What to do in Kansas City? | Ask MetaFilter

There are some areas that I would not go alone though. Loose park is great during the day, but not safe at night. If you do decide to visit the Jazz district (18th & Vine area), definitely go with a group or your husband.

The Arabia Steamboat museum is kind of cool too. Oh, and there is a Dave and Busters out at the Legends. I'm not sure where you are staying, but the Legends is a cool area to visit. However, it's on the Kansas side out by the Speedway.

 

[quiverfull7]

THANKS SO MUCH! Keep the ideas coming please! We are staying at eh INterContinental Hotel at CC Plaza. Supper the first night is at McCormisk & Schmick's ... don't know about the next night. NO kids on this trip... thus the sleeping in! I'm so excited and it's all expenses paid so that is so sweet!

 

[Leigh0725]

OH MY GOSH!!! I LOVE McCormick & Schmicks! YUM, YUM! They are a little expensive, just a forewarning ( i did see the all expense paid, so this is nice!). If you are able to get dessert, get the chocolate bag!!!!! They're mainly seafood, but do have chicken and steak. I have to admit, being in the midwest, the seafood is not as good as being on the coast, however, M&S's dishes are awesome!!!! I had stuff Salmon the last time my DH and I were there and it was to die for. We only go there when it's a special occasion. The last time we went, Our bill was $120. That's with wine, appetizer, main course and dessert.

 

[Teresa Lynn]

Our M & S has little private booths with "curtains" we like to request those if its just the 2 of us.
It's ok, I prefer the seafood at Oceanairre though

 

[Leigh0725]

Okay, looks like you're staying in the downtown area. Here is a site on the Jazz district if you're into Jazz: http://home.kc.rr.com/kcjazz/

Also, up north in the Zona Rosa shopping area, there is an improv comedy club. I imagine there may be a performance when you come: The Majestic Theatres - Improv Comedy Club - Kansas City

There is an indoor racing track down south in Olathe, KS (probabbly about a 30 minute drive) http://www.sadlersinc.com/about-us.html. Also, if you're down in the Olathe area, there is the Great Mall, it's an outlet mall.

http://www.onlinethoughts.com/about_us/IHOP/top_10_things_KC.htm

I hope this helps. Not sure if there is anyone else from the KC area that has any other input.

 

[quiverfull7]

It ALL helps!!!!!! I'm excited about M & S's ! We get great seafood here so ... hmmmm has anyone had their steaks? If one particular man from the company that is taking us is along... we'll get the chocolate dessert... he knows I'm home with kids all the time and he spoils me rotten when they take us out. He also spoils our kids when we go with them for the yearly family weekend "meetings" ! YUM... I can't wait! Now let me check out these great links! Thanks again!

 

[The_Kitchen_Guy]

DO NOT MISS the Steamboat Arabia and Union Station - especially if you are at all interested in history. The KC Rail Experience at Union Station is also quite interesting.

 

[lacychef]

I *think* my parents stayed at that hotel awhile back; very nice! Correct me if I'm wrong, but I'm thinking it's right by the plaza (?)
Have fun whatever you do; most of all sleeping in w/out kids, lol!

 

[ChefBeckyD]

It ALL helps!!!!!! I'm excited about M & S's ! We get great seafood here so ... hmmmm has anyone had their steaks? If one particular man from the company that is taking us is along... we'll get the chocolate dessert... he knows I'm home with kids all the time and he spoils me rotten when they take us out. He also spoils our kids when we go with them for the yearly family weekend "meetings" ! YUM... I can't wait! Now let me check out these great links! Thanks again!

Diane, it sounds like your DH works for a great company!

 

[quiverfull7]

He is very blessed where he works but this is even better ... it's a company that DH's bosses buy from that is doing this training and sponsors these trips. The salesman is such a great guy and God has really used him to bless us and our children with things that would NEVER happen otherwise! Guess which company I tell my DH to keep recommending???? DH learns new things and networks with lots of people and his bosses don't pay for it other than in the cost of the products ... which they won't get discounted if they don't take advantage of it so they might as well!

 

[The_Kitchen_Guy]

Union StationSonja and I visited Union Station last Summer for a big Model A event.

The KC Rail Experience is a museum in a museum that shows what life was like in the heyday of Union Station. "Ghosts" (white resin statues) tell you their stories. Here, a Harvey Girl serves a soldier passing through during WWII.

The restoration of this building is stunning. Just as an example, here's the ceiling.

There used to be guided tours, with two tour guides who were actors, in character, showing you the station. I do not know if they still do this but if they do, go on the tour!

The most commonly used phrase was, "Meet me under the clock at Union Station," so, meet me under the clock at Union Station!

 

[quiverfull7]

Is Union Station anywhere near the Plaza? I may do this during the day... I love historical stuff but DH isn't always so thrilled and after being in a training all day... he most likely won't want history... but these photos are marvelous and it looks super to me.

 

[The_Kitchen_Guy]

Union Station is a couple of miles north on Main Street, if I remember correctly. Union Station is also a skywalk away from the Crown Center and across the street from the Pershing WWI Memorial. It's a giant, phallic tower on top of a high hill. You can take an elevator to the top and see for miles on a clear day.

 

[erinyourpclady]

After those great pictures, now I want to go!! LOL!!

 

[quiverfull7]

Ah... only a short cab ride away... thanks so much... I'm even more excited to go now!

 

[The_Kitchen_Guy]

15 years ago, I never would have thought of KC as being a vacation destination, but now that I've been there about a half a dozen times since then, I would recommend it.I've seen the Brewers play at Royals Stadium (it's now Kaufman Field and the Brewers are in the NL now) and stayed at a resort in Excelsior Springs. I've even made a pilgrimage to St. Joe's to go to the Stetson outlet (ChefAnn posted a photo up here of me wearing my latest find at the outlet) and visited the Pony Express Museum. St. Joe has the Jesse James house, too. There's a great parts store in Overland Park, if you happen to have a British sports car like my Triumph TR-3, and Brit sports cars ALWAYS need parts.I also have a very close friend who lives in the KC area (he put on the Bonnie & Clyde symposium I wrote about in another thread) so I always enjoy making another trip to the area.

 

[Leigh0725]

lol - I find it funny b/c I live in the KC area and definitely would not think of it as a touristy area. My DH and I usually vacation to Boston or Chicago.

 

[quiverfull7]

Hey... I consider pretty much any place I'm going to get sent to and fed and housed for free a SUPER place to be! Last summer it was Des Moines! My friends all asked WHY IOWA? Well... for us it was great b/c some dear friends of ours live about 40 minutes away and we hadn't seen them for ages so we were thrilled! Don't know anyone in KC yet but I will once I get there!

 

[quiverfull7]

well...

Hey... I consider pretty much any place I'm going to get sent to and fed and housed for free a SUPER place to be!

I realized I just opened the door for a laugh so before KG gets to it...
pretty much any place other than jail... which I have NO intention of landing in!

 

[The_Kitchen_Guy]

lol - I find it funny b/c I live in the KC area and definitely would not think of it as a touristy area. My DH and I usually vacation to Boston or Chicago.

We all think that about where we live. I can't, for the life of me, figure out why Northwestern Mutual Life agents WANT to come to Milwaukee for their national conference, not to mention, the thousands of people who go to Wisconsin Dells every year - certainly not on my list of places to go.

BTW - The Elms in Excelsior Springs was a grand place 15 years ago, but since it's been all remodeled and sanitized, it doesn't look as fun anymore.

 

[cmdtrgd]

Make sure you bring PC stuff with you so you can get catalog shows and orders!!!

 

[quiverfull7]

I was thinking of that... the spouses are all invited and they will all be doing the same thing I'm doing... sleeping in and then wondering what to do... so I'll be lying in wait!