Fats Domino said it best when he sang, “Kansas City, Here I Come.” When you come visit Kansas City, the blues will be the farthest thing from your mind. Although the popularity of the town was built upon the culture of blues and jazz music, it has flourished to new heights and it is now a popular tourist destination in the Midwest. Setting on the border of Missouri and Kansas, Kansas City is also known as the City of Fountains because it has more decorative fountains than any other city in the country. On a hot day, you can watch people playing around and cooling off by running through one of the 200 fountains in the city. So get the family together, hop in the car and head to beautiful Kansas City – one of the more scenic towns in the nation’s Midwest.

	Top rated hotels
	1. Hyatt Regency Crown Center 2345 McGee Street 4. The Westin Crown Center, Kansas City 1 East Pershing Road 2. Residence Inn Kansas City Downtown/Union Hill 2975 Main Street 5. Sheraton Suites Country Club Plaza 770 W 47th Street 3. Hampton Inn Kansas City-Airport 11212 N. Newark Cir. (I-29 6. Hotel Phillips 106 W 12th St View more Kansas City hotel info »«

	Top rated attractions
	In Kansas City 1. The Toy and Mini Museum You will not see too many things like the sights at the Toy and Mini Museum. This museum has one of the largest miniature collections in the world and the displays are an impressive gathering. You will appreciate the toys, forts and soldiers in realistic scenes behind a clear glass. As such, this attraction is ideal fun for all ages. The miniature scenes help to tell a story about the history of the nation or the history of the world, so they are educational display as well.  « hide 2. The American Royal BBQ Contest This festival is one of the largest BBQ contests in the world. It started out as a small event between a few friends several decades ago, but it has flourished into a great event that everybody in the area has enjoyed since 1899. The festival also includes several live events, including rodeos, horse shows and concerts. Located in nearby Kemper Arena, the American Royal BBQ Contest is one of the biggest attractions for people in the area.  « hide 3. The VIP Room Rather than going to the movies and sitting in one of the more uncomfortable seating options, The VIP Room in Kansas City makes you feel right at home. With leather recliners and an adjacent table, these movie theater patrons are treated to a comfortable viewing experience while still being out with others. With a full bar service, you can also have a few drinks while watching a newly released movie. There are 45 chairs in each theater, so be sure to get there early. Call for location and details  « hide 4. Get your groove on at the American Jazz Museum Since the Kansas City area was built on the music of the blues and jazz artists, the American Jazz Museum is a popular attraction for many area visitors. With several exhibits and educational programs within the museum, visitors will be sure to learn something new and exciting about this music and subculture. Inside is also a working jazz club, called the Blue Room. Fans will also appreciate the memorabilia and studio in the building as well.  « hide 5. The Legends At The Legends in Kansas City, you can enjoy exhibits and displays that celebrate famous people that call Kansas their home. Exhibits are from all facets of society, including history, art and other areas. With over 80 different tributes using statues, portraits and paintings, art lovers are sure to appreciate this Kansas City attraction. You can also go shopping in the adjacent retail centers and take an audio walking tour of the exhibits.  « hide 6. Kansas City Fountains Kansas City is well-known for the number of fountains that it has in its downtown and surrounding areas. Known as “The City of Fountains,” Kansas City fountains were developed over a century ago and they are still adding new ones to retain its namesake. The fountains are maintained by the Kansas City Parks and Recreation Department and they make a great idea for weddings or other special events. You can even take a tour of some of the more popular and picturesque fountains while learning about the history of their significance.  « hide 7. Worlds of Fun Amusement Park Enjoy some of the most exciting thrill rides in the Midwest when you visit the Worlds of Fun Amusement Park. The Thunderhawk is thrilling as it mimics the movements of a washing machine with passengers riding in it. The park adds new stuff each year so you are sure to find something new if you visit the area frequently. Carnival games, live performances and a nighttime laser show make this an interesting place to visit if you are looking for some excitement in the Kansas City area.  « hide View more Kansas City attractions » « View less Kansas City attractions

	Top rated restaurants
	1. Johnny’s Johnny’s, Kansas City, offers patrons authentic Italian menu items that you can mix and match for the perfect meal. You can also choose a wine off of their extensive list or one of the many appetizers. Be prepared for an upscale meal when you visit.  « hide 6. Jake Edwards Bar-B-Cue Jake Edwards Bar-B-Cue, Kansas City, offers excellent ribs with tangy sauce unmatched by many other BBQ-style restaurants. It is a well-hidden secret so you can be sure that it will not be very crowded during your visit.  « hide 2. Lidia’s Lidia’s, Kansas City, provides great Italian cuisine in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere. The outdoor patio is available throughout much of the year for outdoor dining or socializing. The interior brick walls add to the Italian village atmosphere.  « hide 7. The Capital Grille The Capital Grille, Kansas City, serves fine wines and aged steaks that are sure to please even the most discerning taste buds. Fresh seafood arrives daily and many of the menu items have helped the restaurant win several awards for its taste and freshness.  « hide 3. Carmen’s Restaurant Carmen’s Restaurant, Kansas City, has a romantic atmosphere combined with excellent Italian cuisine. Try one of the specialty martinis as you bask in the spectacular views that surround the dining areas.  « hide 8. McCormick and Schmick’s McCormick and Schmick’s, Kansas City, is an ideal place either for business luncheons or romantic dinners. The dark wood and brass décor provides an intimate atmosphere complemented by the uniformed servers. Try one of the daily seafood specials at this popular restaurant.  « hide 4. Rosedale Barbeque Rosedale Barbecue, Kansas City, has been pleasing taste buds since 1934. This restaurant is popular among many age groups in the Kansas City area as well as tourists who are just passing through. Home cooking is their specialty and you’ll feel just like you’re having dinner at a southern home.  « hide 5. Oklahoma Joe’s BBQ Oklahoma Joe’s BBQ, Kansas City, serves diners huge portions for affordable prices. Try their specialty sauce on your ribs for a zesty local flavor. If you try the Z-Man sandwich, you will definitely be talking about it after you leave. Look for it inside of a gas station or else you’ll miss it.  « hide

	Kansas City Insider tips
	1. Get another dose of culture every First Friday The Kansas City First Friday is an event held the first weekend of every month. Located in the Crossroads District, the First Friday is an event where new art exhibits are put on display for residents and tourists to see. It also includes several live events that are meant for entertaining those who attend. You can take a stroll to the area or ride along one of the free trolley cars that make trips through the district.  « hide 2. Watch your back when visiting The Plaza and West Port Even with the beauty of the city, crime is still a huge problem in the surrounding area. The main areas of crime that occur in these neighborhoods fall in the categories of muggings, robberies and vandalism. There are also many homeless people in the area. In recent years, many violent crimes have been reported by locals and visitors in the area as well. Take extra safety precautions when visiting these areas and other unknown areas in the Kansas City region.  « hide 3. Traffic is a problem at times Along the I-435 and I-470 intersection on the highway, traffic is a major problem. There is a two-mile stretch in which cars can get lined up and drivers can get extremely frustrated with the lack of movement in the cars in front of them. The worst part about this area is that you generally do not know you are going to be stuck in a traffic jam until you actually get stuck. If time is a factor for your enjoyment or schedule, try to avoid this entire area if you can.  « hide 4. Kansas City is less smoker-friendly than other towns New smoking ordinances are stricter than they have ever been before in Kansas City. In fact, some of the laws are stricter than most of the smoking laws in other states. If you go to restaurants or other busy places, find out the law for each particular situation before lighting up. If for no other reason, have respect for your fellow patrons and visitors who do not enjoy the smell of smoke as much as you do.  « hide

	Kansas City nightlife
	In Kansas City 1. The Hurricane This club enjoys a wide mixture of people from all ages and walks of life. The live music keeps people dancing and the patios provide an opportunity for fresh air or outdoor socializing. Take advantage of one of the awesome drink specials, too.  « hide 2. The Levee Live bands and outside back patios make this an ideal place to spend a weekend night. You can dress as casually or as professionally as you like because the regulars here are more of a younger crowd. The excellent service also helps make this place one of the more successful clubs in the KC.  « hide 3. XO This hoppin’ nightspot has everything you would think of in a nightclub, including caged dance floors and dancers. Five different rooms with just as many different themes gives visitors a variety of options so they will feel comfortable. Pool tables, video projections and six different bartender stations make this a popular place for young professionals and college students.  « hide