Kansas City

Courthouse Exchange is home to a massive mural that reflects the history of Independence, Missouri.

Courthouse Exchange: A Taste of Independence Flavor

On the square at 113 W Lexington Avenue in Independence, Missouri, there’s a narrow set of steps leading down beneath the sidewalk. You might miss them if you’re not looking. But if you follow them down, you’ll find a doorway into another time. That’s where we found the Courthouse Exchange, a tavern that’s been pouring […]

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The National Frontier Trails Museum highlights experiences discovered by travelers along the Santa Fe, California, and Oregon trails.

A Journey Through the National Frontier Trails Museum

Independence, Missouri, has always held a special place in the story of westward expansion, and visiting the National Frontier Trails Museum felt like stepping onto a launchpad of American history. As we pulled into the parking lot, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of anticipation. Here we were, about to walk the same metaphorical

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Cockrell Mercantile is a rustic stop on the outskirts of Kansas City.

Cockrell Mercantile: Missouri’s Tastiest Hidden Treasure

Tucked away on the outskirts of Lee’s Summit, Cockrell Mercantile is the kind of place you hear about in whispers. Those “you’ve-gotta-go” recommendations from folks who know where to find the good stuff. With its creaky wooden floors, vintage architecture, and shelves brimming with gourmet goodies, this charming mercantile feels like a step back in

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The statue of Rube Foster is located within the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum.

Honoring The Past At The Negro Leagues Baseball Museum

Nestled in the historic 18th and Vine District, the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum holds tales from the past. This Kansas City attraction is located at 1616 E 18th St, on the Missouri side of the city. It connects to the American Jazz Museum as a cultural cornerstone, setting the tone for a deeply enriching experience.

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A homeowner watches as people are forced from the farms during General Order No. 11.

The Battle of Lone Jack: Echoes of Conflict

The crackling of flames and the distant wails of the displaced filled the air as homeowners watched helplessly. Families were being torn from their farms. Their lives were reduced to smoldering ruins under the ruthless enforcement of General Order No. 11. It’s a stark image that encapsulates the deep scars left by the Civil War

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A 1950s automobile inside the Johnson County Museum.

Changing Times – Johnson County Museum

The Johnson County Museum, located at 8788 Metcalf Ave, Overland Park, Kansas, offers visitors an immersive look into the region’s vibrant past. Housed in a historic landmark, this museum is a treasure trove of stories, artifacts, and interactive exhibits that highlight the evolution of Johnson County. From its tumultuous Civil War history to the suburban

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A display of jazz legends who visited Kansas City.

Exploring the American Jazz Museum: Step Into The Rhythm

Tucked in Kansas City’s historic 18th & Vine District, the American Jazz Museum, at 1616 E 18th St., is where music history comes alive. From the moment we walked in, the energy was electric—photos of jazz greats lined the walls, the soft hum of saxophones filled the air, and interactive exhibits invited us to dive

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A collection of colorful glass spheres at Moon Marble.

Moon Marble: A Timeless Treasure in Bonner Springs, Kansas

Moon Marble Company has become a must-visit destination for families, collectors, and nostalgia seekers. This unique shop, nestled in Bonner Springs, Kansas, offers a glimpse into the fascinating world of marbles and classic games. We’ve been drawn to the store for its vast selection and the live marble-making demonstrations. Stepping inside Moon Marble is like

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Día de Muertos celebration in KCK draws crowds to Central Avenue.

Vibrant Spirits & Colorful Souls: Experiencing Día de Muertos in Kansas City, Kansas

Every fall, as the cool October air begins to settle over Kansas City, Kansas, something truly magical takes place in the heart of the city. Día de Muertos, or the Day of the Dead, transforms Central Avenue into a vivid celebration of life, memory, and tradition. Amid a backdrop of city vibes, soulful music, and

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Museum at Prairiefire is a boutique science center designed with hands-on experiences.

Hands-on Fun At Museum at Prairiefire

We consider ourselves blessed to reside in a city with many diverse attractions. Museums are one of our favorite destinations, and the Museum at Prairiefire fits a specific niche in this category. The museum is inside the Prairiefire neighborhood at 5801 W. 135th Street in Overland Park, Kansas. The building is the first in North

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Perfume bottles decorate an exhibit at Arabia Steamboat Museum.

Preserving History at the Arabia Steamboat Museum

When we think of the Wild West, visions of chuckwagons, cattle drives, and lonely cowboys play out in our minds. The steam engine, invented in the early 1800s, impacted the path of history. As the country raced to build railroads across the wide expanses, the age of steamboats arrived. Living on the confluence of two

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You'll see plenty of sports memorabilia during a visit to Chappell's Restaurant.

Chappell’s Restaurant & Sports Museum – Eating Up History

What do you get when you combine delicious food and an astonishing collection of sports memorabilia? Located in North Kansas City, Missouri is Chappell’s Restaurant and Sports Museum. This sports fan Mecca opened in 1986 and has drawn visitors from far and wide. Notoriety has come from many directions, including lots of the top sports

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A two-piece chicken dinner brings subtle heat to the table.

Delivering Crunch – Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken

Growing up in the Midwest, we discovered the depth of flavors that can be found in this region’s dishes. I remember waiting impatiently as my grandmother fried up chicken for Saturday night dinner. The smell was intoxicating and I couldn’t wait to sink my teeth into the crispy coating. Fast forward a few decades and

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Life in the Trenches – National World War 1 Museum

The National World War 1 Museum and Memorial is not a memorial to the war. This national treasure is a reminder of the human spirit and the never-ending fight for peace. Life in the trenches was filled with short periods of sheer terror followed by long spans of boredom. Stretching across the horizon, these muddy, rat-infested trenches

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The Kansas City Museum offers a chance to see one of the city's most impressive estates.

Kansas City Museum – A Renewed Purpose

For decades, schoolchildren from around the metropolitan region made the annual field trip to the Kansas City Museum. I remember visiting during the time that it focused primarily on our hometown’s history. It also featured hundreds of taxidermized animals in lifelike settings. In 2008, the museum was closed for a complete renovation and repurposing. When

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The attention to detail is incredible in the pieces displayed at the National Museum of Toys and Miniatures.

National Museum of Toys And Miniatures – Releasing My Inner Child

I have to admit that there’s a little kid in me that can come out at the most inopportune moments. To limit the silliness from becoming too rampant, I find it best to shower my inner child with periodic visits to kid-friendly attractions. Kansas City just happens to be home to quite a few of

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A Fall display welcomes guests to Missouri Town 1855.

Missouri Town 1855 – Welcoming Fall

As Autumn descends on the Midwest, people will find an abundance of harvest-themed festivals. Welcoming Fall brings a change in the air, that signals the shortening of daylight hours. We find ourselves trying to savor every moment. Scanning the Kansas City calendar of events, we noticed the annual Fall Festival at Missouri Town 1855. Since

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A visit to McLain's Market will provide plenty of flavorsome finger foods for everyone in your group.

Flavorsome Finger Foods – McClain’s Market

For decades, the McLain family served the locals in and around the Waldo area. Three generations of the family-operated this local bakery, delivering pastries, bread, and cakes to eager customers. There would often be long lines waiting for their chance to snatch up some of the goodies. When the McLain family sold the business in

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Cupini's is all about friends, family, and food.

Cupini’s – Friends, Family, and Food

To be successful in the restaurant business requires a high level of commitment. It helps when you have your priorities clearly determined. Franco Cupini is a man who is dedicated to friends, family, and food. His love for the restaurant business shines through when you see him working at his Westport eatery, Cupini’s. Franco was

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