Alternative Things To Do In Kansas City? (Blue Springs, Liberty: theater, casinos)

[bhudha86]

In 2 weeks, I will be traveling to Kansas City and I am taking suggestions for alternative/odd/unique things to see or do that would not be found in a travel guide. As I am traveling by train, I will be relying on public transit or my feet to get around. If you have any suggestions for a pair of adventurous 22 year olds, it would be most appreciated.

Thanks.

[kcmo]

Don't overlook the touristy things. KC has some unique attractions worthy of taking in. Plaza, Liberty Memorial, Negro Leagues Museum etc.

But if you want to do some things that most tourists don't do, I would just walk around the crossroads district which is just north of Union Station and check out the random art galleries and hole in the wall places to eat. Grinders is popular with local urbanites, so is martini corner. You could also tour the Boulevard Brewery, something most tourists don't know about. Other things to do would be to go check out some of KC's authentic BBQ or Mexican places on the east and west sides of the city. Get a BLT at the Peanut Downtown etc.

[WiseOwlSaysHoot]

Hmmm.... interesting question.

That depends on what variety of alternative/odd/unique you are looking for.

Depending on the timing of your trip, you may be in town for First Friday for the art gallery openings in the Crossroads Arts District. Try to make it over to the West Bottoms area for a more raw/alternative arts district. You can usually find something interesting going on there.

For a late night escapade, check out the Mutual Musicians Foundation in the 18th and Vine Jazz district is where all the jazz musicians head after their gigs for all night jam sessions that run from 2AM - 7AM.

If you're adventurous and into urban exploration, I used enjoy going to the old reservoir in Kessler Park/Cliff Drive. It's an interesting, post-apocalyptic environment where nature is reclaiming an abandoned reservoir.

[Intricate451]

subscribing...

i am in KC right now and come here 3-4 times a year for business but i have plenty of free time... I dont know anyone here so I dont know what to do.

I already did the restaraunt thing and saw the brewery, the plaza, the P+L district.... what else is there..

[kcmo]

Guess it depends on what you want to do.

Downtown NKC is a neat place to kill some time. Screenland Theater is great.

You might check out a few of KC's museums like the WWI, Negro Leagues Baseball, Jazz Hall, NCAA Basketball, Steamboat, Truman Library and Home, Nelson, Kemper...

Westport and Brookside are interesting areas to check out. There are some great mountain biking trails in Blue Springs, KC has a few large casinos, Worlds of Fun, Royals and Chiefs.

KC is just an average place with pretty average things to do and see

[famusdarlin]

a few suggestions for the nightlife scene. For 20-30 something I suggest going to Westport. it's on the busline. and there are some unique stores and resturants to visit during the day. I highly reccomend the Firefly for great music (they have a myspace page, look them up), Try 180 if you want a unique adult drink, Blanco has the most unique hamburgers in town and they're great.

If you are into asian cuisine or sushi try Nara. If even you arent into the food but you are here on a friday check out dj syke. look up syke style. i'm pretty sure he has a flyer.

[OneKC]

Go to the Crossroads, check out a few funky art galleries. Check out Grinders, a restaurant/bar with some great greasy food and hipsters lurking around. They also have some really decent concerts in the adjoining space. Here is the concert schedule.

I'd check out the Westside too. There is a great new beer garden, appropriately named The Westside Local Beer Garden - that just opened that is a huge hit. They have some terrific garlic fries and a wonderful assortment of beers, and since the weather lately has been awesome, you won't even sweat as you enjoy the summer evening outdoors. Its a great place to people-watch and you may even make a new friend.

Read more about the Beer Garden here and here. The Crossroads is located just south of downtown, and you can reach it on the MAX. The Westside is just west of the Crossroads, easily walkable from the MAX.

A couple bars have fun trivia nights. I'd recommend The Brick in the Crossroads for Trivia Riot. I believe their Trivia night is Friday night. I've heard Record Bar in Westport also has a fun trivia night.

The Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art has some more eclectic pieces than the Nelson Atkins Museum if you're into art and like more modern pieces. Its located just north of the Plaza.

I'll second the Mutual Music Foundation. I like Jardine's for a good jazz club too, located on the NE side of the Plaza.

If you like burlesque, there is a burgeoning burlesque scene here, I think they do shows in the West Bottoms. You can find out more here. You'll probably want to take a bus or cab to the West Bottoms, although its not far at all from downtown.

I think I heard Bar Natasha re-opened? Can anyone confirm? I've heard they have an entertaining drag show, but I can't confirm that. They are located in the Crossroads.

Like seeing chicks beat each other up? There is a roller derby team that plays in KC - the Kansas City Roller Warriors. Here is their website.