Need Help With First Trip To Kansas City, MO!
Aug 7th, 2008, 06:04 PM
#21
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KCUMB isn't really close to any area that you'll want to stay in (as the PPs said). I think if you can stay at the Marriott downtown you will be in better shape to sightsee/dine than if you are at the airport. The airport is about 30-45 minutes from some of the best areas of town.
Downtown has the new Kansas City Power and Light district with tons of restaurants and nightlife. That is just a few blocks from the downtown Mariott.
Downtown is about a 10-15 minute drive (straight shot down Main) to the Plaza, which if you ask me is a can-not miss when visiting Kansas City. Even if it's just to walk around (lots of great shopping/dining/sights there).
You will also be close to Union Station, which is interesting to walk around and I believe the "Bodies Revealed" exhibit is still in town, which will be especially interesting considering your relative's new med-school career!
For BBQ...Jack Stack is my personal favorite (the one just north of Union Station). Great atmosphere and great food...get the cheesy corn! It's not a hole-in-the-wall, but it's good. For hole-in-the-wall, try Oklahoma Joe's. It's out of the way and in a gas station (I kid you not), but the food is great and it's a fun experience.
Other restaurants to try...Osteria Il Centro (Italian)...just off the country club plaza in a non-descript area, but the food and atmosphere are to die for.
Starker's Reserve on the Plaza is fantastic, but pricey.
And downtown (if you end up there), Chef Burger in the P&L district is great for lunch.
Have a great time! I live in KC and I think it's a undiscovered gem!
Downtown has the new Kansas City Power and Light district with tons of restaurants and nightlife. That is just a few blocks from the downtown Mariott.
Downtown is about a 10-15 minute drive (straight shot down Main) to the Plaza, which if you ask me is a can-not miss when visiting Kansas City. Even if it's just to walk around (lots of great shopping/dining/sights there).
You will also be close to Union Station, which is interesting to walk around and I believe the "Bodies Revealed" exhibit is still in town, which will be especially interesting considering your relative's new med-school career!
For BBQ...Jack Stack is my personal favorite (the one just north of Union Station). Great atmosphere and great food...get the cheesy corn! It's not a hole-in-the-wall, but it's good. For hole-in-the-wall, try Oklahoma Joe's. It's out of the way and in a gas station (I kid you not), but the food is great and it's a fun experience.
Other restaurants to try...Osteria Il Centro (Italian)...just off the country club plaza in a non-descript area, but the food and atmosphere are to die for.
Starker's Reserve on the Plaza is fantastic, but pricey.
And downtown (if you end up there), Chef Burger in the P&L district is great for lunch.
Have a great time! I live in KC and I think it's a undiscovered gem!
Aug 10th, 2008, 11:41 PM
#22
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Well, I'm back from our quick trip to KC! We ended up staying at the Marriott Airport location. I could have stayed downtown (and I would next time) but the distance of our hotel did give us an excuse to get away from family if you know what I mean. That being said, the drive wasn't terrible but it did take about 20-30 minutes to get downtown, good thing we rented a car.
I really liked the downtown area. We didn't have a lot of free time from visiting with family to explore it as much as I would have liked. We did check out Union Station, which was really nice. We only got to have BBQ twice and both times we ate at Jack Stack (once at the Freight House location and once at the Plaza. Freight House location was our favorite, but the Plaza was really nice to walk. The food was AWESOME!!! So far, the best BBQ I have ever had. Meat was so tender, the Crown Prime Ribs were fall off the bone tender. I didn't get a chance to try the corn but liked their cheesy potatoes. Without a doubt they also had the BEST Carrot Cake! Warm with melted cream cheese frosting and nuts on top! I think we'll be returning to KC just to eat at this place. Next time we'll have to try some other places.
Really liked the downtown area though, loved the old buildings and also liked the KC Star building and Sprint Center across the street. We also ate at a brewery in the Power and Light District (Gordon something..), seemed like lots of restaurants and things to do. Overall a good 2 day trip.
I really liked the downtown area. We didn't have a lot of free time from visiting with family to explore it as much as I would have liked. We did check out Union Station, which was really nice. We only got to have BBQ twice and both times we ate at Jack Stack (once at the Freight House location and once at the Plaza. Freight House location was our favorite, but the Plaza was really nice to walk. The food was AWESOME!!! So far, the best BBQ I have ever had. Meat was so tender, the Crown Prime Ribs were fall off the bone tender. I didn't get a chance to try the corn but liked their cheesy potatoes. Without a doubt they also had the BEST Carrot Cake! Warm with melted cream cheese frosting and nuts on top! I think we'll be returning to KC just to eat at this place. Next time we'll have to try some other places.
Really liked the downtown area though, loved the old buildings and also liked the KC Star building and Sprint Center across the street. We also ate at a brewery in the Power and Light District (Gordon something..), seemed like lots of restaurants and things to do. Overall a good 2 day trip.
