Ah yes, Kansas City BBQ...our fave is Oklahoma Joe's...it's not far from either The Plaza or Crown Center. It is located in a gas station (really!). Anthony Bourdain proclaimed it one of the 10 best restaurants in the world and the guy from "Man Vs. Food" just paid them a visit a few weeks ago.

I will eat some KC BBQ. We just moved to NC 3 years ago and were introduced to southern BBQ. and now I will be introduced to Midwestern BBQ .

Melissa

If you want a feel for KC - the Plaza is the place to be. KC is known for their fountains and the Plaza is a unique shopping/restaurant area designed after Seville, Spain (our sister city). Anyone that has been to KC will ask you - did you go to the Plaza?

Crown Center is okay - Crown Center is home to the headquarters of Hallmark. Located next to Union Station & Science City, as well as the Liberty Memorial (where the WWI museum is located) - it's an okay location - nothing really special, in my opinion. You'd be much happier on the Plaza where there are plenty of restaurants, shops, and a movie theater - just walking around is great, too (and free!).

As a lifetime local - I would not have visitors stay anyplace other than the Plaza if they wanted the KC feeling!

Here's the website for the Country Club Plaza...
http://www.countryclubplaza.com

I would highly recommend stopping at Kona Grill for their half-priced appetizers between 3pm and 7pm in the bar (get there EARLY!). Check out happy hour at http://www.countryclubplaza.com/Even...ill-Happy-Hour

Oh - wanted to tell you ...

When you go to Leavenworth, here are some suggestions for lunch/dinner...

Homer's Drive-In
1320 S 4th (the main road that runs north/south thru town)
(913) 651-3500
This place is a Leavenworth ICON! The BEST burgers around! They used to have carhops back in the day, but now it's eat-in only.

Mama Mia's
402 S 20th St (another north/south road - on the west side of town)
(913) 682-2131
This Italian restaurant is a nice place to go for dinner.

High Noon Saloon
206 Choctaw St
(913) 682-4876
http://www.thehighnoon.com/Home_Page.html
If you're needing a beer to quench your thirst - this is a popular place for lunch or dinner (menu available online). Located down by the riverfront.

You people are the best

Thanks so much for the great suggestions

Melissa

Did Homer's stop doing the drive through where they carry the food out to the car?

Baan Thai Restaurant in Leavenworth has the best Thai food in the region. For lunch, the soda fountain and lunch counter at the Corner Pharmacy in Leavenworth is like stepping back into the 50s or 60s. (and the prices are nearly that low)

Keith

we loved our meal at OK Joe's.
Power and Light was ok, its a ghost town if nothing is not going on at the Sprint center.
Hyatt Crown center was nice but KC really needs to clean up their downtown area.

Yes, you're right, ksucat! It's a lot better than it used to be, but we still have a ways to go. Hopefully once the new Performing Arts Center is finished, things will move more quickly.

So, did you go to K-State? DD just graduated from there in December. She (and we) love that school!

Priceline can be awesome for KC hotels. Our favorite location is CCP also. We visit KC often and have stayed at the other Marriot near the Plaza. Not as quaint as the Marriot Courtyard and a bit further walk to the actual plaza but we just got it for 2 nights at $55ea over the 4th weekend.
We also like that location because there is a nice park for early morning walks which we enjoy. It's home of one of the famous fountains.

Thanks guys

question- how long do you think we should spend in KC to say all we want to see?

Melissa

What are your interests? Museums, history, shopping, gardens, bar scene, sports, theater? There is a bit of everything.

We are really interested in history. These are what we are coming to see, Truman's museum, Rice-Tremonti House,the Arabia steamboat museum, the national frontier trail museum, pioneer spring cabin, arrow rock,MO, Fort Leavenworth, MO,Jesse James FArm & Museum,James Brown Museum,City of Independence,Quindaro Ruins underground RR.

As well as the WW I museum

It probably depends on how "busy" you want to be each day...do you want to really pack in a full day or take your time? Everyone has a different approach to this.

Also, please note that Arrow Rock is quite a ways east of Kansas City so hopefully you are planning on stopping there on the way into town.

Right off the top of my head, I would say 3-4 days would cover it, but others may have different opinions.

Also, another stop that might be fun is the Toy and Miniature Museum It's located in a beautiful old home not far from The Plaza are and is very unique.

I would pu the Negro Leagues and Jazz Museums ahead of most of those on your list.

While you are in Leavenworth, be sure to visit the C W Parker Carousel Museum and the Chapel of the Veterans.

http://www.kansastravel.org/caroselmuseum.htm
http://www.kansastravel.org/chapeloftheveterans.htm

Keith

Thanks for more interesting ideas

Melissa

I haven't read all the replies, so I apologize if I'm repeating advice here. I highly recommend you stay on the Plaza if you really want a feel for Kansas City. The Intercontinental is probably the nicest hotel in the area and you can get a great deal ($149/night - maybe even cheaper) on Priceline. It has great views (request a balcony overlooking the Plaza when you check in) and is very convenient to restaurants, shops, etc. . .

Have fun!
A

Looks like you have a great itinerary planned now. Lots of great ideas. We are not so much into history and our visits to KC usually include dining, strolling thru parks, museums and a little shopping. Over the 4th we discovered a small garden - the Muriel Kaufmann memorial garden. Near the Plaza and just lovely.

We will be busy in KC

2catlover, when are you coming to KC?

In the past, my recommendation would always have been to say stay a the Country Club Plaza. But, my BIL was recently in town for a performance, and their whole group stayed downtown at Hotel Phillip, and it was a very cool boutique hotel, right near the Power and Light District. Although I would have agreed in the past about it being a ghost town at night, both the weekend BIL and friends were in town, and last night when we drove out of DT after tennis, it was really hopping, and not just around the P&L district.

Right now there is also a trolley that is running from Union Station (by Crown Center and the World War I museum) to Independence (which you wanted to visit and where the Presidential Library is located). It's just $1 and it was also routing through DT last night, we could hear the bell ringing.

I'm trying to find route information for you, but until then, here is a news article on it:

http://www.nbcactionnews.com/dpp/new...-independence-

Anyway, that may give you a few more options of places to base yourself.

BTW, let me second someone's suggestion above regarding the American Jazz Museum and the Negro Leagues Museum (which are part of the same complex). This is a completely worthwhile visit, and highlights some incredible history.

The Jesse James Farm and museum is a 30-40 minute drive NE of KC. You just go straight up 35 to the exit for Hwy 92 at Kearney, go East on 92 for a mile or so and follow the signs. They do a nice historical tour, and will give you a map to drive back into Kearney and visit the grave if you wish. You cannot see much unless you pay the admission to get past the gift shop/entrance.