What to see in Kansas City? (Nelson: neighborhoods, live, shop)

[brattpowered]

I'll be stopping in the Kansas City area for a night during an upcoming road trip this summer. I'd like to know which streets and neighborhoods I should explore to get a good feel for KCMO and KCK. I like driving through older, traditional downtowns and residential areas, as well as ethnic neighborhoods and places young people like to hang out. Basically, I would like to see what makes KC what it is. Also... any good BBQ recommendations?

[loudestchick]

For authentic KC BBQ you should try Arthur Bryant's or Gates and Sons. There are some interesting neighborhoods...the immigrant ethnic neighborhood Strawberry Hill in KCK can get you some terrific Povatica (sp) a baltic layered bread with nuts and sugars (the apple is terrific). The Plaza (ritzy shopping in a florentine inspired shopping area) and Westport (KC's big bar scene w/ live music venues) are near the Nelson Atkins Museum of Art and the Kemper Museum of Modern Art ...if those things interest you. Additionally, the newly revitalized "crossroads district" near downtown is an amazing new art scene with lots of studio space.