A short stay in Chicago, Illinois offers travelers tons of options. Our trip was focused on the City Center area. We were hoping to enjoy the museums and shopping possibilities. From Kansas City, we were only looking at a 1 1/2 hour flight, so it’s a great destination. Our Temporary Home in Chicago We chose to forego a […]
The Field Museum is Chicago’s own museum of natural history. It happens to rank as one of the largest of its type in the world. With over 24 million specimens in its portfolio, anything less than all day is just a cursory look. The Natural World Our schedule only allowed for a short visit, so
Pierpont’s Restaurant is a premier seafood and steak house located in Kansas City’s Union Station. A visit to this restaurant is like a step back in time to when the station was built in 1914. The architecture is awe-inspiring, and there are many hidden gems tucked inside. The expectations for a dinner at this type of establishment are
Our Rocky Mountain Road Trip had us leaving Yellowstone Park after just a couple of days. We felt as though we barely scratched the surface of what there is to see. We made a note to ourselves that there would have to be a return trip at some time in the future. For now we aimed our
South by Southwest – Rocky Mountain Road Trip Part 3 Read More »
Tao Tao Chinese Restaurant has a long history of serving downtown Kansas City, Kansas. This shop, at 1300 Minnesota Avenue, has been dishing up popular menu items since 1970. Some customers have been frequenting this location since they opened. Others have just recently stumbled upon the heaping mounds of fresh Chinese food that they dish
Get More Bang For Your Buck at Tao Tao Chinese Restaurant Read More »
Recently we traveled across town to find the answer to the question of Who’s on Third? (Street) in Lee’s Summit, Missouri. One of the nice things about living in a large metropolitan city is visiting all of the diverse areas that can be found. Many towns and cities get swallowed up by annexation. While some struggle with an identity complex,
Who’s on Third? – A Day in Lee’s Summit, Missouri Read More »
Have you ever walked into an establishment, and immediately knew it was a neighborhood hangout? Fric & Frac, at 1700 W. 39th Street, exudes this feeling from the moment you enter. Locals chat casually from table-to-table. Servers call out the names of customers entering the restaurant. Even the menu is filled with background stories behind
Just about everyone who has driven by 931 Broadway, in downtown Kansas City, Missouri, has seen the bright red awning over the entrance of The Majestic Restaurant. The building started life over 100 years ago as the Fitzpatrick Saloon. Built in 1911, the same year Jim Pendergast (Boss Tom’s older brother) passed away, it housed the saloon and a
Poppy’s Ice Cream & Coffee House is located at 307 SE Douglas in downtown Lee’s Summit. It was a welcome sight during our recent visit. For us, one of life’s sweetest treats is ice cream. Give us a warm day, and a bowl of ice cream, and we are just about as happy as we can
We were looking for a restaurant, that presented dining with flair, in downtown Lee’s Summit. We decided to visit Third Street Social, which is located at 123 SE 3rd Street. Third Street in downtown Lee’s Summit, Missouri offers up an eclectic collection of dining opportunities. Burgers, tacos, wings, bar grub, pizza, and many other food groups are
Kansas City, Kansas isn’t as old as some of the other large Midwest cities. That doesn’t mean it doesn’t have just as colorful a history as the others. A recent visit to the Huron Indian Cemetery, on 7th Street just north of Ann Avenue, reminded us just how unique our beginnings were. The name Huron was a
We are zoo people! There I said it, and it feels good to get that off of my chest. On many occasions we have been asked about the attractions we visited, when we were traveling as a couple without kids in tow. We are still amazed when people act amazed that we visited a zoo
Specialty lodging options come in many styles. Some places have indoor waterparks, while others may have an unbelievable view. About 1 1/2 hours north of Salt Lake City, in Logan, Utah, you will find Anniversary Inn, which has the designation of being a most unusual lodging option. Logan was founded by Brigham Young in 1859.
In Montpelier, Idaho we found The National Oregon California Trail Center, which offers those who travel to this out of the way town a real treat. On our Rocky Mountain Road Trip adventure we found lots of unique stops, but of course time limits the amount that can be seen. We both enjoy historical places that focus on
Pioneer Life at The National Oregon California Trail Center Read More »
A short drive north of Jackson Hole, Wyoming is Jenny Lake. As early as the 1890’s, homesteaders began locating to this region. The deep-water lake, and pristine ecosystem made for excellent trapping opportunities. In 1906, the Forest Service took over the management of the ever increasing visitor services. Soon a campground was constructed, and in
One of our favorite day trip destinations from Kansas City, Kansas is the capital of our state, Topeka. The population is about the same as our hometown, and it offers some nice attractions less than an hour away. Many times our visits have a simple itinerary located along Topeka’s 10th Street, which includes a couple
Topeka’s 10th Street – A Day Trip to Capitol City Read More »
The morning we were to enter Yellowstone National Park was cloudy and cold, of course it was mid-September in the mountains. We made our way through the southern edge of Montana, and stopped in Silver Gate at the Log Cabin Cafe for a quick bite. There was a chance of precipitation in the forecast, but we were not
Yellowstone National Park – Rocky Mountain Trip Part 2 Read More »
In less than three hours you can drive from Kansas City to Omaha, Nebraska. Once there you will find a multitude of attractions, activities, and oddities to keep you occupied. We have made this trip on multiple occasions, and it seems that we always find plenty to keep us busy. This place makes for a wonderful
When you hear someone speak of great American road trips a flood of images can run through your mind. Whether you prefer mountains, beaches or small-town USA, all of these can be found on the road. This is our favorite way to travel, as it allows us to immerse ourselves in the scenery. While short
Crossing the Plains – Rocky Mountain Trip Part 1 Read More »
As times change many cities are faced with the dilemma of what to do with some of their grandiose historical buildings. Larger cities were often rail hubs, and have massive station houses that have seen thousands of visitors over the decades. In Omaha, Nebraska they turned their Union Station into a rail and history museum.
We are sure in most cases that if you cut a Kansas Citian they would bleed barbecue sauce. Now we have all heard stories about the various choices in this great BBQ town, but what about when you leave the metro? Well on a recent trek south we had the opportunity to test the saucy waters. We paid
Just south of Omaha you will come across the Offutt Air Force Base. This fairly nondescript area happens to be the headquarters of the U.S. Strategic Command. Nestled in the middle of farmland, just off exit 426 from Interstate 80, travelers will come across the Strategic Air Command & Aerospace Museum. This museum is dedicated to
Some people would be embarrassed to say they never left the United States in their first 50 years of life. Well not us. We were more than content to spend our vacations traveling throughout the countryside. Oh we both have crossed the borders of Canada and Mexico, but barely. Now our kids are a different
The Rosedale section of KCK is filled with small to medium sized businesses, in and around the “Boulevard”. This area was founded early in the city’s life, and has had it’s ups and downs over the years. Flooding has always been a fear of the residents and business owners in this low lying land. While
One of the reasons we look forward to visiting Downtown Overland Park is the chance to stop in The Upper Crust. For those of you that have been here, you know why we are excited. This place is a straight up pie shop with no qualms about their specialty. They aren’t trying to serve a hundred different
Located along the banks of the Missouri River, St. Joseph is a city steeped in history, where each building and landmark tells a story of days gone by. Known for its role in the Wild West and the birthplace of the Pony Express, St. Joseph is a treasure trove for history buffs and curious travelers
Exploring the Past: A Journey Through History in St. Joseph, Missouri Read More »
You can tell a lot about a restaurant by the length of time it has been in business. Old Shawnee Pizza was established in 1969 by Joe Walker. Looking to provide a better life for his family, he borrowed the money from his father to begin the venture. Years later, seeing the need for more room,
In St. Joseph, Missouri there are many wonderful old buildings, but only one National Historic Landmark. The Patee House Museum started life as a luxury hotel back in 1858. During the short life of the Pony Express (the Pony Express Museum is just down the road), part of the hotel served as the headquarters. Other memorable moments
A lot of buzz around Kansas City, Kansas of late has been focused on Mason Jar Brews & Burgers, a newer restaurant located at 941 North 74th Drive. Located about 1/2 block south of State Avenue on 74th Drive, the restaurant is in what used to be an old water-slide park, which some of you
What is a person to do if they find themselves desiring authentic Louisiana cuisine in St. Joseph, Missouri. Fear not, as you can stop in Boudreaux’s Louisiana Seafood and Steakhouse for some Cajun and Creole dishes served up in a relaxed atmosphere. Located in the Wholesale Row Historic District, this restaurant has created a Mardi Gras atmosphere. The original
Boudreaux’s Louisiana Seafood & Steakhouse – St. Joe Read More »
Kansas City, Kansas, is home to countless hidden gems, but few are as beloved as Christy’s Tasty Queen (1405 S 55th St, Kansas City, KS). This unassuming little spot has been serving up massive, golden-fried tenderloin sandwiches for decades, drawing locals and road-trippers alike. If you’re looking for a meal that barely fits on a
Located on the side of I-80, in North Platte, Nebraska, you can find the Fort Cody Trading Post. This iconic tourist trap is designed to replicate an old frontier fort on the plains. The name is obviously associated with “Buffalo Bill” Cody; the scout, buffalo hunter, and showman. During long drives along the wide prairie,
The Armourdale section of Kansas City, Kansas is filled with small businesses and hard working families. Restaurants in the area, like El Pollo Rey, may cater to the local residents, but their creations draw customers from all around the metro. Many of the buildings, that house these restaurants, have been home to a variety of
The National Historic Trails Interpretive Center is a free museum, located in Casper, Wyoming. It is dedicated to educating visitors on the trials faced by those traveling the Oregon Trail, during the Westward Migration. Touring the exhibits will allow visitors to immerse themselves into the 1800s. For us, it was a chance to experience the
Oregon Trail Stories at National Historic Trails Interpretive Center Read More »
There is a huge variation between cities in the Midwest. There are lots of small towns, which are based around the old town square format. As you move up to larger cities, you start to see more multi-story buildings. Then you have the Chicago skyscrapers. By the time you get to a city the size
Tucked away in Basehor, Kansas, Holy-Field Vineyard & Winery offers a charming escape for wine lovers. This family-owned winery has crafted award-winning wines for over 25 years, using grapes grown on their ten-acre vineyard. Visitors can sample wines, from crisp whites to bold reds, all produced with Kansas-grown grapes. The tasting room provides a welcoming
Kansas City is packed with hidden gems, and Fritz’s Railroad Restaurant is a must-visit for families. This unique train-themed dining experience in Kansas City has delighted guests for decades. Stepping inside feels like entering a vintage railway station, with train decor covering the walls and the sound of locomotives filling the air. The magic happens
All Aboard for Fun: A Unique Train-Themed Dining Experience in Kansas City Read More »
This year we decided to spend our post-Thanksgiving taking a well-deserved trip. The plan was to make it a celebration of our 35th Anniversary, so a number that big needs a significant itinerary. We chose to start it with a couple of days in the Cocoa Beach area. Our hopes were that some beach time
Nestled in the heart of Kansas City, Kansas, the Rosedale Memorial Arch is a quiet yet powerful tribute to the sacrifices made by those who served in World War I. For many locals, including myself, the arch isn’t just a monument; it’s a poignant reminder of the bravery and dedication of our community’s heroes. This
Honoring Heroes: The Timeless Legacy of Kansas City’s Rosedale Memorial Arch Read More »
We Kansas Citians are very fortunate to have a good selection of zoos to choose from, within a fairly reasonable driving distance. The Kansas City Zoo is a decent park but doesn’t have the monetary sponsors that a couple of the others in the Midwest are blessed with. The Henry Doorly Zoo in Omaha, Nebraska
© Copyright 2017-2025 Our Changing Lives All Rights Reserved