15 Things About Kansas City That Are Pushing It To the Next Level
1. The better barbecue
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Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise: Kansas City, Missouri, is king when it comes to
For starters,
There’s a barbecue spot for basically every personality in KC, whether you’re more into classic, picnic-table-style barbecue, barbecue with a side of live music, or you’re looking for fancier dine-in restaurants — we’ve got ’em all.
2. The next-level internet
Kansas City isn’t sitting around while the tech future arrives — our internet is already among the fastest in the world. Google chose KC as the first-ever recipient of Google Fiber several years ago, and we’ve been running with it ever since.
We haven’t just used our super fast web access for streaming videos of cats, either. Earlier this year, Google, along with the
3. The way we keep it local
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We Kansas Citians love where we live — and we love supporting our community.
While there are lots of places to shop local in KC, it’s worth checking out Urban Provisions General Store. They’re into the American Made movement — so into it that everything in UP is handmade by artists or craftspeople in the US. They specialize in KC goods, but also carefully curate from all across the country. The store is worth a visit if only to look at its awesome displays and design aesthetic — and to pick up anything from soap to art to specialty sauces. After you’ve worn yourself out, head next door to
4. The sports, the stadiums, and — most importantly — the fans
Across the parking lot, Arrowhead Stadium is considered one of the NFL’s most daunting — just for the sheer volume of Chiefs fans. With a capacity of more than 76,000, it’s the fifth-largest stadium in the league. This massive crowd congregates not just within the stadium walls, but spreads into the parking lot, where the league’s best tailgating happens. A standard noon game means that by 8:30am, the smell of barbecue is wafting through the air and the lawn chairs are lined up. Complete strangers become fast friends — nothing speeds up a bond like sharing snacks, drinking beer, and playing a round of cornhole.
5. The celebrity love
Some celebrities leave their hometowns and never come back, but that’s not how it goes here in KC. Big names like Rob Riggle, Paul Rudd, Jason Sudeikis, Eric Stonestreet, and David Koechner, all from the KC area, come home every year — and not just to sign autographs. Together, they started
6. The actually affordable culture
The museums’ many family-friendly events aim to get everyone to embrace the idea of spending a weekend tucked inside one of the galleries’ quiet corners. With summer camps and free classes that get kids sculpting, painting, and critiquing their own masterpieces, there’s surely a new wave of
7. The accessible fine dining
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How often can you chat one-on-one with a James Beard Award-winning chef? In KC, the answer is seven nights a week. Chef Celina Tio is the owner of Julian and
But don’t just come here for the good vibes. At The Belfry, the decadent bar food menu — complete with chicken nachos doused in melted Manchego — might even take a backseat to the beer and whiskey options. Nearly an entire wall is devoted to whiskey, and as she’s a cicerone (like a sommelier, but for beer), Tio’s beer choices are definitely more than trustworthy.
8. The brewed-right-here beer
Speaking of beer — the largest specialty brewer in the Midwest,
But one wildly popular brewery doesn’t mean there’s not a line around the block for the rest of the brews made by our burgeoning
9. Thursdays…
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Specifically,
10. …and Fridays, too
The artists featured are both regional and national — musicians, street performers, live theater, and food trucks join the lineup as well. If you plan your schedule right, you can probably sneak in a free dinner of wine and cheese from one of the open galleries, or check out the surrounding restaurants, many of which offer drink and appetizer specials for the occasion.
11. The shopping
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No need to head to Manhattan or LA to start shopping —
If you’re in need of some mid-afternoon shopping fuel, stop by
12. The best coffee in the Midwest
An average cup of joe won’t suffice after tasting the coffee from KC’s local roasters, who consider creating caffeinated beverages an art form. Thou Mayest started in a garage in 2012 and has been improving their java ever since. With big windows, exposed brick walls, and lots of plants, it’s the perfect place to meditate on what really makes a good cup of coffee. They’ve even begun taking their craft beyond just coffee and into alcohol as well, making it a go-to choice both AM and PM.
For a coffee shop that never left the garage, head to Filling Station Coffee Garage. It’s just that — a refurbished old garage with a huge patio and lovingly brewed coffee. Plus, some pretty great food options — “old-school oatmeal,” croissants, and fresh-squeezed juice — and free wi-fi to boot.
Another KC favorite,
13. The live music
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The variety of
14. The backdrops
In an age when it only counts if you can show it happened, KC has you covered. In the “City of Fountains,” every corner is practically waiting for an Insta. With over 200 registered water features, there are more fountains here than in any other city in the world (okay, except for Rome). The fountains might even trick you into thinking you’ve been temporarily transported to Europe — which makes sense, as the
When you go to snap a picture, find the nearest fountain, center it in the background, and thank this magical city when you can label it #nofilter. Some lesser known and highly recommended fountains are along Cliff Drive, but with so many to choose from, exploring the city and finding your own favorites is half the fun.
15. The urban street festival scene, aka Boulevardia
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To top it off, Boulevardia also hosts a bike ride to help raise money and awareness for cancer research — and a family-friendly carnival that offers education on sustainability and recycling. This is one organization based on all things good, and one of many that are helping propel Kansas City forward.
