Visiting KC in two weeks---a few questions.... (Liberty, Union: to rent, how much)

[Marv101]

I'll be visiting KC for the first time in 25+ years in a couple of weeks, and I have a few questions.


1)---Are any of the downtown areas such as Crown Center, Union Hill or Country Club Plaza more desirable than any of the others as an area in which to spend 3 or 4 nights of sightseeing?


2)----I do plan to rent a car, so any suggestions on any surrounding areas to visit would be appreciated.


3)----Frank White mentioned First Watch as a must-visit breakfast spot for someone visiting KC for a single day in this year's visitors guide, so any other recommendations for an iconic breakfast spot (I love great French Toast) would also be welcomed.


4)----As a long-time admirer of Coach Snyder and the KSU football program I do plan to spend some time in Manhattan as well, so any tips on restaurants and sightseeing musts would also be appreciated.


Thanks!

[MLSFan]

eggtc is a good breakfast place by reputation... to me, a slice of bread and butter tastes as good as the company you eat it with so i don't find the food to be much better than another place. same goes for first watch. though, I'd be happy enough eating mcdonald's breakfast/coffee if i had to be honest.

if a couple weeks is july 4th, it's a bit out of KC but the fireworks/garden at powell garden is good for an afternoon/evening

not sure how "old" you are, but harrah's casino on Mondays has a buy one get one free buffet for people over 50 with a player card. No need to play, they just want the card for some purpose (no clue why). The other person doesn't need to be over 50, just the one with the player card. Not sure if it is for the lunch/dinner buffet also but the breakfast is BOGO. They have french toast there too. Again quality isn't something I can comment on, I found it tasty though, but that doesn't say much since I'd eat it even if it wasn't if I could chew it. Not an "iconic" place though.

The first watch in nkc is closed, not sure if it is reopened, looked like there was a fire last time i saw building

[Bluefox]

Originally Posted by Marv101

I'll be visiting KC for the first time in 25+ years in a couple of weeks, and I have a few questions.


1)---Are any of the downtown areas such as Crown Center, Union Hill or Country Club Plaza more desirable than any of the others as an area in which to spend 3 or 4 nights of sightseeing?


2)----I do plan to rent a car, so any suggestions on any surrounding areas to visit would be appreciated.


3)----Frank White mentioned First Watch as a must-visit breakfast spot for someone visiting KC for a single day in this year's visitors guide, so any other recommendations for an iconic breakfast spot (I love great French Toast) would also be welcomed.


4)----As a long-time admirer of Coach Snyder and the KSU football program I do plan to spend some time in Manhattan as well, so any tips on restaurants and sightseeing musts would also be appreciated.


Thanks!

None of those areas is that far from one another so you can't really go wrong with any. I personally like the Crown Center area as it is centrally located between the Plaza and Downtown. There are enclosed ped bridges that link the hotels to the Crown Center and one goes on to Union Station, which is nice if the weather is rainy or really hot. And of course now you have the streetcar for quick access to downtown/River Market area without needing to drive, though to get to the Plaza you will need a car.

[NativeKansasGirl]

I am sure you will be surprised how much the city has changed over the past 25 years! Union Station, which is right by Crown Center, is always a must see when visiting the area. If you like baseball, going to see the World Champion Royals would be fun. The Harry Truman Museum and Library is a great place to visit, plan on spending a few hours. Liberty Memorial museum is another great place to visit, it is near Crown Center. The Farmer's Market is always a fun place to go, it is downtown.


The Big Biscuit(they have a few locations) and Eggtc are the better breakfast places in the metro. If you are on the plaza, Jax Seafood and Rosso in Hotel Sorella are great choices for dinner. Both have great atmospheres and great food!


Enjoy your visit!

[SPonteKC]

Originally Posted by Marv101

I'll be visiting KC for the first time in 25+ years in a couple of weeks, and I have a few questions.


1)---Are any of the downtown areas such as Crown Center, Union Hill or Country Club Plaza more desirable than any of the others as an area in which to spend 3 or 4 nights of sightseeing?


2)----I do plan to rent a car, so any suggestions on any surrounding areas to visit would be appreciated.


3)----Frank White mentioned First Watch as a must-visit breakfast spot for someone visiting KC for a single day in this year's visitors guide, so any other recommendations for an iconic breakfast spot (I love great French Toast) would also be welcomed.


4)----As a long-time admirer of Coach Snyder and the KSU football program I do plan to spend some time in Manhattan as well, so any tips on restaurants and sightseeing musts would also be appreciated.


Thanks!

1. Downtown is arguably better than the Plaza for a weekend visit now, because so much of it is connected by the streetcar, allowing you to walk and hop on and off within a couple blocks of almost everything b/n the Market and Crown Center. The National WWI Museum is a must-see. A Boulevard tour is fun. First Friday if it's in the schedule, obviously. KC BBQ Tours leaves from Union Station is fun if exhausting.

2. Royals game.

3. Succotash and You Say Tomato on Dutch Hill, Beignet in the City Market, Eggtc. or the Peanut in South Plaza.

4. The Konza Prairie, the Flint Hills scenic byway, the Native Stone Scenic byway.

[brooksider2brooklyn]

Last time I was on town, I met some people at corner cafe at I-70 - Little blue parkway. I was not expecting much, but it was very good breakfast. Be prepared to wait though.

[Marv101]

Great tips everyone----thanks!!!

I plan to return to the area this fall to hopefully attend a KSU football game; I've been a UCLA fan for five decades but I've always respected Coach Snyder since they trounced OU in the Big 12 title game in 2003.