Kansas City Local's Guide

06/07/2024

It's our favorite weekend of the month: First Friday!

Planning to attend Crossroad's First Fridays? Make the most of your time and get all your questions answered in our complete guide to First Fridays!

06/07/2024

🌹 If you haven't made it by the rose garden in midtown's Loose Park, there is still a little time before the blooms are gone! There are many places to visit within Loose Park, including historical sites, a pond, walking paths, and, of course, the Laura Conyers Smith Rose Garden.

The rose garden dates back to 1931 and contains 3,000 roses of 130 varieties within the 1.5 acre garden. Along with a beautiful fountain and benches for sitting, the garden is truly lovely.

If you plan to stop by, we recommend you do it soon! We love grabbing breakfast at the Country Club Plaza and walking to Loose Park from there - it is about a 15 minute walk. There is also plenty of parking if you opt to drive.

Read about our favorite local brunch spots on The Plaza: https://kansascitylocalsguide.com/breakfast-brunch-country-club-plaza-kansas-city/

04/20/2024

🧀 Have you heard about the new Green Dirt on Oak in Crossroads? We love visiting Green Dirt Farm in Weston, so when we heard they were opening up a location in Kansas City, we were so excited! We dined in last night, and wow - it exceeded expectations.

The downstairs is currently more of a daytime cafe where you can purchase several items, including the exceptional cheeses that they are known for.

The upstairs is the dining area where they are currently offering dinner service. The ambiance was just lovely - intimate and inviting. Their menu has a great selection of small plates and a handful of elevated entrees - like the heritage pork chop with apricot chutney and hanger steak with charred spring onions and dill.

We went with a couple of small plates and a cheese and charcuterie board - there are three different size options, so it's great for any size group. The board was a highlight - it was beautifully presented and we loved the sourdough bread and pickled veggies... and of course, their Green Dirt Farm cheeses.

The menu changes seasonally, and we are looking forward to going back!

Overall, it was a great experience - incredible food, service, and ambiance.

Green Dirt On Oak

03/30/2024

Planning a date night but need new ideas? We put together a list of 37+ ideas for date night in downtown and midtown Kansas City!

Does it feel like you always go to the same places for dates? Plan something unique! Us locals are sharing a complete list of Kansas City date ideas.

03/30/2024

On Saturdays, we make our way to The City Market - Kansas City. And after browsing all the fresh vegetables, array of spices, handmade goods, and vintage finds, we're usually ready for a filling meal.

Fortunately, there are numerous exceptional places to eat in the neighborhood. For a casual option, we love Habashi House.

Did you know they've been serving City Market visitors since 2000? We love their brightly decorated, exposed brick dining room. And you're sure to be greeted with a warm smile at this family-run establishment.

Everything on the menu sounds great - and luckily, there are platter options that allow you to sample several of their offerings - we love the falafel, kebabs, and spicy hummus. You really can't go wrong with anything on the menu.

For more of our favorite Mediterranean and Middle Eastern restaurants in KCMO, read our guide: https://kansascitylocalsguide.com/mediterranean-and-middle-eastern-restaurants-kansas-city/

Habashi House

03/30/2024

The Nelson at dusk - what a beaut!

The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art

03/29/2024

🚂 Do you have a train enthusiast in your life? Whether adult or child, they will be enthralled with the Model Train Gallery at Union Station.

This expansive gallery of model railroading contains more than 80 trains moving along the tracks, from tiny N-scale model trains to the big G-scale giants of the model train world.

And we love how they incorporate aspects of Kansas City into the landscape!

The best part - it's free!

You can find other free family activities in Kansas City in our guide: https://kansascitylocalsguide.com/free-things-to-do-for-families-in-kansas-city/

03/16/2024

🍀💚 St. Patty's Day weekend is here! Where are you celebrating? We're sharing details on all the happenings in KCMO along with our recommendations on Irish restaurants and distilleries to visit!

Planning to attend the St. Patrick's Day festivities in Kansas City? We have your complete guide with ALL the celebrations happening around town!

03/15/2024

🐰 Is Rabbit HOle worth it?

You've surely heard about the new immersive children's literary museum in North Kansas City - after all, it's been in the works for eight years now!

We made it a point to visit the first week it opened.

It's not your typical "museum" - it's incredibly interactive and engaging with endless opportunities for climbing, sliding, and playing.

During our visit, it was hard to find any kid without a huge smile on their face.

The place is incredible, and you can tell the couple behind the concept, former owners of Brookside’s Reading Reptile children's bookstore, have put hours upon hours of effort and thought into it.

You can read our full review and what you should know before you visit here: https://kansascitylocalsguide.com/rabbit-hole-kansas-city-review/

So, it is worth it? Based on our experience, YES!

03/14/2024

💵 Did you know that Kansas City is home to one of just twelve regional banks in the country's Federal Reserve System? You have likely driven by the building off of Main Street and near the Liberty Memorial numerous times.

Within the bank is the Money Museum, where you can learn about currency processing and the history of money. It's geared towards kids but has plenty of interesting artifacts and information panels for adults, too!

The small museum is a self-guided tour through several different sections and includes features like lifting a real gold bar valued at nearly $400,000 and the historic Harry S. Truman Coin Collection, a fascinating display of 450 coins minted throughout history.

The exhibits are interactive and teach valuable insights into the U.S. economy. You can catch a glimpse of the Federal Reserve’s cash processing area and the vault.

It’s an interesting look into this important piece of the American economy!

The museum is open Monday - Friday from 9:30a - 4:00p and is free!

03/13/2024

🌼 After the dull, dormant landscape of winter, we are so looking forward to seeing flowers and shrubs in bloom around Kansas City! While most blooms will be happening in the coming month, there are places you can appreciate the spring flowers right now.

There are few better places in the city to see beautiful gardens than at the Kauffman Memorial Garden in midtown. Have you been?

The space is incredibly peaceful and features fountains, sculptures, benches, and lovely flowers and shrubs. We could just sit in the garden for hours.

We love the indoors orangery, which features tropicals and other plants needing a warm space during the winter season. Stop in and say hello to the resident cat!

The garden changes weekly as new flowers bloom with the changing season, so several visits are encouraged!

These pictures were taken yesterday - it probably looks different today!

Ewing and Muriel Kauffman Memorial Garden

03/13/2024

🍀 What better way to celebrate St. Patrick's Day than by visiting the oldest Irish-owned business in North America? Many people don't realize that this family-run business happens to be in Kansas City!

Have you been to Browne's Irish Marketplace in midtown? It's been there since 1887 and is on the national list of historic places.

Founded by immigrants from County Kerry, Ireland, it started as Flavin’s Market, a neighborhood hub for quality food and Irish hospitality.

The deli is a local favorite, and their market offers a range of Irish and Celtic products, including Barrys and Bewley’s Tea, jams, marmalades, biscuits, bread mixes, and traditional Irish staples like bangers​​​​. You can also find imported clothing and textiles.

For St. Patty's, they will have events all weekend long, Friday through Sunday, including live Irish music along with Irish foods and drinks.

For Sunday, March 17th, festivities will take place from 8:30am - 5:00pm.
- From 8:30am - 11:00am, they will have Irish breakfast, coffee, and cocktails.
- From 11:00am - 4:00pm, they'll have Irish dishes and drinks along with yard games.

Even if you don't plan to attend the festivities, stop by their market to grab some Irish goods to enjoy for St. Patrick's Day!

For more details on what's happening this weekend, read our guide to St. Patty's in Kansas City: https://kansascitylocalsguide.com/st-patricks-day-kansas-city/

Browne's Irish Marketplace

03/12/2024

🌸 One of our favorite green spaces in midtown is blooming! The Sculpture Park and grounds at the Nelson Atkins Art Museum is lovely on a spring day. It's the ideal spot for a picnic.

03/12/2024

In Kansas City for spring break? Have you been to the Lakeside Nature Center in Swope Park? It's definitely a hidden gem - and free!

The center typically houses about 75 rehabilitated animals native to this region, including two bald eagles, two turkey vultures, three barred owls, three varieties of hawks and two Kestrel falcons.

With each animal exhibit, there are signs and informational panels to learn from. Additionally, there are several other areas in the center that provide opportunities for hands-on learning about local nature.

Children can participate in the “scavenger hunt” and collect a stamp from the front desk upon completion.

A ‘touch table’ near the upper displays provides an opportunity for children to interact with and investigate natural items like furs, fossils, and skulls.

The center also features nature trails – we love the two-mile Fox Hollow Trail.

For more suggestions on free activities for families in Kansas City, read: https://kansascitylocalsguide.com/free-things-to-do-for-families-in-kansas-city/

03/11/2024

It's the start of spring break season! Staying in town this year? Fortunately, there are plenty of kid-friendly activities in Kansas City!

We share our 23+ favorites in this guide:

If you’re planning to spend time in Kansas City with the kiddos, we’ve got you covered! Us KCMO locals are sharing the best kid-friendly activities!

03/08/2024

🐰 You know spring is getting closer when the bunnies show up on The Plaza! You can see them starting today through Monday, April 8th.

There are nine bunnies total and three additional "wonderland animals."

So, hop to it - visit the plaza in the next month to see this annual tradition!

For our dining and shopping suggestions on The Plaza, check out: https://kansascitylocalsguide.com/country-club-plaza-guides/

03/07/2024

St. Patty's Day is almost here! We're sharing details on all the parades and events in KCMO along with our recommendations on Irish restaurants and distilleries to visit!

Planning to attend the St. Patrick's Day festivities in Kansas City? We have your complete guide with ALL the celebrations happening around town!

03/05/2024

🌟 Did you know Kansas City has several James Beard recognized restaurants? There were many new honors given out to local restaurants this January, and they added to the already impressive list of those who have been named over the last several years.

A past honoree was named again this year: The Town Company. Chef Johnny Leach was nominated for Best Chef Midwest.

We can't get enough of the cozy, intimate ambiance at The Town Company - and the food is truly exceptional. We recommend doing sharable small plates to get a taste of the many innovative dishes on the menu.

The menu changes seasonally. Recent favorites included the radicchio salad, squash dumplings, and lobster toast.

It's an upscale meal - best for a date night or special evening. You can expect it to be pricey, but we found it to be worth it!

We recommend reservations - and consider a nightcap at the basement speakeasy, Nighthawk.

You can view other Kansas City James Beard recognized restaurants and bars here: https://kansascitylocalsguide.com/guide-to-kansas-citys-james-beard-restaurants/



The Town Company

03/02/2024

☀️ We can't get enough of this weather! It has us wondering, what is the best coffee shop patio in KC?

We love Filling Station in midtown! The coffee is great plus they have fresh pressed juices and a small but delicious breakfast and lunch menu offerings.

Tell us, what are some other great coffee shop patios around town?

the filling station

03/01/2024

🎨 It's March First Friday! Which art galleries are you planning to visit?

We've been looking forward to the glass blowing demonstration at Belger Arts glass annex!

For all the First Friday galleries and details, visit: https://kansascitylocalsguide.com/comprehensive-guide-to-kansas-citys-first-fridays/

03/01/2024

☕ Have you been to Kansas City's newest coffee shop, Bisou? It's a European-inspired cafe tucked away in the Westside neighborhood, and it is truly lovely.

The interior is bright and welcoming. The beans are sourced from Maps Coffee - and, of course, you can't have a local coffee shop without the irresistible pastries from Blackhole Bakery.

We loved the sunlight-filled rooms with moody green bookshelves, black accents, and friendly baristas.

We're looking forward to enjoying their quaint patio once the weather finally warms up for good.

If you haven't been, check it out!

02/29/2024

1️⃣0️⃣ The Blue Room Jazz Performances

Continuing on in our series of the best FREE things to do in KC is the Blue Room! Did you know they offer free jazz performances certain times of the week?

The Blue Room located within the American Jazz Museum in the 18th and Vine Historic District.

Kansas City’s jazz music scene has deep roots, and The Blue Room pays homage to that. The Blue Room is an interactive, working jazz club and while they offer paid ticketed performances, they also have select free shows.

Typically, these occur on Monday evenings, first and second Thursdays at 12p, and Fridays at 5p. It’s best to check their website calendar to confirm.

They do have a bar available for ordering cocktails, beer, and wine while you enjoy the live music.

For more of the best free things to do in Kansas City, visit: https://kansascitylocalsguide.com/free-things-to-do-kansas-city

Follow Kansas City Local's Guide for more local insight on the best of Kansas City!

02/22/2024

☀️🦮 This sunny week is giving us major patio weather vibes, and we love being able to bring our pup along with us!

In this article, we share Kansas City's dog-friendly brewery patios (including some that serve food!) in the downtown and midtown areas, including Kansas City Bier Company, Border Brewing Company, Alma Mader Brewing, and more!

Tell us, what's your favorite?

Is there anything better than sipping on a frothy brew with your beloved pup beside you? We have the list of KC's dog-friendly breweries.

02/13/2024

Planning to attend the parade? The KC Streetcar will be in operation that morning until 10:30am! Make sure you know the details so you can get around downtown easier:

On Wednesday, February 14, KC Streetcar passenger service will be available at all streetcar stops except Union Station. Service will occur from 6:00am until 10:30am.

The plan is for the streetcar to operate with 10 – 12 minute frequencies.

After the rally, streetcar service will resume once the tracks are clear between 20th Street and Pershing Road.

Notice of the resumption of service will be posted on the KC Streetcar website, social media channels, and communicated through our RideKC Notify text alert service. Sign up for notification of resumption of streetcar service by texting “streetcar” to 816-685-8541.

More parade details here: https://kansascitylocalsguide.com/kansas-city-chiefs-super-bowl-parade-2024/

02/12/2024

📍 2024 Chiefs Super Bowl Parade Route! Be sure to plan ahead - it'll be busy!

More details here: https://kansascitylocalsguide.com/kansas-city-chiefs-super-bowl-parade-2024/

02/12/2024

Will we see you downtown on Wednesday?!

If the Chiefs win the '24 Super Bowl, you better have your plans figured out to attend the championship parade! We have the details to help with that.

02/12/2024

❤️💛 LET'S GO!! CHAMPS!!

02/12/2024

The best way to experience the Chiefs Super Bowl Parade? Get a hotel along the parade route!

If you're planning to attend the Super Bowl parade should the Chiefs win, you need to plan ahead! These are the closest hotels to the parade route.

02/10/2024

Does it feel like you always go to the same places for dates, and you’re wanting to try something different?

Or maybe you’re making plans for a first date and are aiming to impress?

Perhaps you’ve gone through all the effort to book a sitter, and you want to make sure it was worth it.

We're sharing some of the best date ideas for midtown and downtown Kansas City!

Does it feel like you always go to the same places for dates? Plan something unique! Us locals are sharing a complete list of Kansas City date ideas.

02/09/2024

Thinking about Valentine's Day? We're sharing our must-visit date night restaurants in downtown and midtown Kansas City!

Planning a swanky Kansas City date night? We're sharing a list of the best date night restaurants, as recommended by locals!