Are you an out-of-towner, planning on spending a weekend in Kansas City? Or maybe you’re a local wanting a fun staycation. With its rich history in music and cuisine, plus the new wave of young millennials and big-city professionals, Kansas City has become a hot spot for travelers all across the nation. Don't underestimate this midwestern gem - Kansas City was even named National Geographic's Best Trips destinations of 2019!

This city is full of surprises, even for locals. We compiled a list of some of our favorite spots — from hidden gems to treasured classics — to create an itinerary for your weekend vacation in Kansas City.

Friday | Downtown Kansas City

Come in from your travels (or a long day at work) and book a room at the 21c hotel. The atmosphere of this hotel parallels its unique location between the modern Power & Light and the historic River Market. With a resident museum, this hotel also host events like Yoga With Art or guided tours you can take part of without leaving your hotel (or your bathrobe.)

For drinks, settle in at The Savoy at 21c. This contemporary bar offers a variety of drinks and amazing dishes, with an eclectic, artsy vibe. You can get a Miller High Life Pony (“like a fine Champagne,” according to the menu) for just $2, or a contemporary cocktail based on the theme-of-the-month, ranging from $10-$15.

Saturday | Crossroads Kansas City

From your hotel, walk to the Australian bakehouse and café Banskia for breakfast. Sip a cappuccino on the brick-walled patio or grab a Bloody Mary and people watch out the enormous windows. If you still need a caffeine kick, or just want to check out a local favorite, visit Messenger Coffee. This coffee shop is housed in a 100-year-old, fully renovated three-story building. You can view the bakery in action or take in a 360-view of downtown from the rooftop patio.

From there, take the (free) Kansas City Streetcar and head to the City Market at River Market, where you can spend hours here perusing the offerings, snacking on local favorites and meeting new people. A local favorite is the colorful flower bouquets for $10. Grab lunch here or take the streetcar back to the Crossroads and hit up Howard’s Café. This part grocery store/part café is simple, it’s charming, and it’s absolutely delicious — you’ll feel like a real local here.

If you’re in town for the first Friday of the month, stay in the Crossroads District for the night. You can grab a delicious, creative dinner at the trendy Corvino Supper Club and then walk around to check out our monthly First Fridays event. It’s hard to know what you will find at First Fridays: budding artists, musicians, buskers, chefs, and more fill the streets. 

And to top off the night, make it a point to visit the Green Lady Lounge. KC has a rich history in the jazz scene and Green Lady puts it all on display, for free seven nights a week.

Sunday | West Kansas City

Pack your bags Sunday morning and relocate to the Jefferson House Bed and Breakfast. This Victorian home is in Westside KC, near downtown, and has a variety of unique bedrooms and quirky accents throughout. After you settle in, grab breakfast at the Blue Bird Bistro: an organic, local restaurant with everything from breakfast chili to tofu scramble. After, walk next door for a coffee or house soda from Goat Hill — a cute, minimalistic hidden gem. If it’s a warm day, grab a snowcone while you’re there as a token to the building’s last tenant, a local favorite called Little Freshie.

Stop by our MADI Apparel headquarters a few steps away and say hi! Tell us about your trip, check out what’s new in store, and see our space. We have pictures of our customers and women we’ve served on display so you can see exactly what good you are doing through your purchase. You can hang out for a bit on our couch and sip your Goat Hill creation, or take a walk to Observation Park, where you can get a higher-up view of the KC skyline. Don't forget your camera!

Next door to our shop is one of our favorite local eateries, Westside Local, that offers enjoyable “blunch” and cocktail creations (like a menu inspired by Tom Hanks). If you want an authentic Mexican meal, grab tacos from another neighborhood favorite, Los Alamos Market y Cocina. 

Walk off your meal at the West Bottoms Antique Malls, which are all open on the First Fridays weekend for all visitors. You can easily walk from shop to shop, seeking fun and quirky creations. And keep your eyes peeled: Many shops offer free drinks and snacks somewhere in the space.

For dinner, visit one of KC’s newest, trendiest spots: The Campground KC. The atmosphere is intimate and quaint — and music comes directly from a record player. And if records are your thing, visit Voltaire, where the rustic, contemporary venue provides an intimate backdrop for unique cocktails. Want a livelier experience? The Ship is a restored 1930’s speakeasy that mimics the look and the feel of a boat — we promise you’ve never seen anything like it.

Wherever you are in Kansas City, you are bound to have a unique, fun experience that makes you want to come back again.

What are some of your favorite spots in KC? Let us know in the comments below and maybe we’ll feature you on your next post!

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