72 Hours: Kansas City, Missouri/Kansas

Its been so long since I’ve explored a brand new city in a state I’ve never been to so I decided back in April that I was going to pick a weekend to fly somewhere new as a celebration for getting vaccinated. Kansas City seemed like the perfect spot because it was only 2 hours away from Houston via my favorite United Airlines and was located in the midwest, an area I rarely visit.

Where to Stay

I usually love staying at Airbnbs when it comes to exploring new towns because I feel like it gives me more of a chance of being a “local”, but the urge to stay in a popular area of Kansas City overtook me and I ended up staying at the gorgeous AC Hotels. The hotel is clean and welcoming and is located in a central area of the city with plenty of free parking.

Ewing and Muriel Kauffman Memorial Park

We stopped here on our way back to our hotel to begin our workday and it was the most serene little park. Surrounded by beautiful blooms and a peaceful fountain, the Memorial Park was the perfect way to start our day.

Filling Station

Drive through coffee at a former gas station? Check! Filling Station served a great iced honey lavender latte in the most socially distant way ever.

Meshuggah Bagels

I’m always craving bagels now that I’m no longer a New Yorker with plentiful bagels at my fingertips so when I discovered that Kansas City had a hidden gem of an old school bagel shop, I knew I had to make a stop. Every bite of my bagel sandwich was mind blowing!

Donutology

Bagels always taste better with a sugary donut on the side! Donutology’s colorful shop (which is located just across the street from the Filling Station by the way) displays a variety of yeast and cake donuts and has something for everyone- plus this RBG mural makes for a great photo opp.

Joe’s Kansas City BBQ

I came to Kansas City for barbecue and I wasn’t going to leave without trying the famous Z Man bbq sandwich at Joe’s- no matter how long the line was. Luckily, the line was only(!) 20 minutes long and the sandwich was worth every single minute. Its hard to use words to describe how delicious the combination of Joe’s special bbq sauce with crunchy crispy onion rings and brisket and cheese is. But don’t take my word for it, try the food at Joe’s yourself!

Messenger Coffee

This coffee shop was one of my favorite places in Kansas City because it had delicious pastries, strong coffee, and was housed in a beautiful light filled warehouse. Messenger Coffee’s warehouse cafe has 3 floors and a rooftop that overlooks downtown Kansas City. It was an amazing start to our Saturday!

City Market

I love farmers markets and love exploring them in different cities- I love the variety and the local vibes and the bustle! City Market is Kansas City’s biggest outdoor market (so make sure to arrive early for parking because it can get crazy) and has craft vendors located outside in a pedestrian only area, while the food vendors are located in the covered area. Start off any weekend with a trip to the Market and you’ll be sure to have a great day!

National Museum of Miniature Toys

This Museum of Miniature Toys was one of my must see items on my Kansas City list because who doesn’t love tiny toys and beautiful dollhouses? For $8, I spent a few glorious hours wandering the quiet rooms of the museum filled with nostalgic toys from my childhood (and beyond because I’m really not that old!) and outrageous dollhouses.

TWA Museum

I’m not big on airplanes and don’t know many airplane facts, but I love history and how nostalgic it can be to reminisce about something that no longer exists. The TWA airline is such an important part of the US airline industry past and I really enjoyed learning more (on our tour!) about the TWA planes, flight attendant fashion, and how plane travel use to be. The Museum is located inside a small plane hanger and costs $10 to tour.

National Museum of Airline History

Similar to the TWA Museum, the National Museum of Airline History consists historical planes from America’s past and tons of facts about the airline industry. There is also the amazing opportunity to walk through a old TWA plane and imagine how travel must have been in the 70’s.

Jack Stack BBQ and Country Club Plaza

Shopping and bbq- need I say more? Jack Stack BBQ is located on the corner of Country Club Plaza, the best outdoor shopping plaza in Kansas City, and serves up some of the tastiest ribs and pulled pork mac and cheese in town. And yes, I still dream about that mac and cheese! There can be a wait though, so I strongly suggest exploring all the shopping the Plaza has to offer and the green walking trail nearby and cup of delicious bubble tea at Bruu Cafe (which I went to twice, no shame). Country Club Plaza is not only a shopping haven, but its also surrounded by a beautiful river and walking trail.

Black Hole Bakery

A don’t miss mochi donut bakery! And don’t let the line out the door deter you because there is plenty of donuts (and brownies) for everyone and the line moves relatively quickly. Black Hole’s mochi donuts was by far my favorite thing I ate in Kansas City- I may even need to make a trip back to the city just for these delicious chewy donuts!

National WWI Museum

After visiting the National WWII Museum in New Orleans and loving the wealth of information and interesting facts (yes I’m a nerd) the exhibits provided, I was really looking forward to touring the WWI Museum in Kansas City. Although much smaller than the New Orleans one, this museum also provided so much information regarding the war in a way. Upon entry, there is a glass bridge that overlooks a huge field of poppy flowers that represents the soldiers and individuals who gave their lives during the war.

The Roasterie

Kansas City loves planes. If that isn’t already obvious with their multiple airplane themed museums, its even more apparent when you notice the giant (real) airplane located on top of The Roasterie’s coffee shop and local roastery. Tours of The Roasterie occur every hour and cost $5 to join in. The tour includes a brief coffee tasting at the end and provides so much knowledge on their coffee beans and just coffee in general. Afterwards, make sure to grab a latte created by onsite baristas and visit their store, which sells their coffee in all forms (beans and kcups!) plus the obvious souvenirs (mugs!).

Buffalo State Pizza Co.

Our stomachs started grumbling after all the museums and for some reason we were CRAVING pizza so we stopped downtown at an pizza restaurant with a huge backyard patio. The pizza at Buffalo State is hot and cheesy and so yummy its making my mouth water even as I type this!

Kansas City was my first foray into America’s midwest and I have to say I’m impressed with what I say and most importantly, ate! Where should I go next in the midwest!