A Weekend in Kansas City: Food, Fun, and a Little Extra Travel Time
This past weekend, we took a road trip to Kansas City, where our days were packed with delicious food, sightseeing, entertainment, and a few lessons learned about travel planning. From savoring unique flavors at local eateries to catching an entertaining show, Kansas City’s vibe offered a warm welcome that kept us busy. If you’re considering a trip to KC, here’s a rundown of our experiences—and a few insights that might just make your own trip smoother and even more enjoyable.
Friday Evening: Check-In and Exploring the Local Food Scene
Arriving at Candlewood Suites Kansas City Northeast
We left Ottumwa on Friday afternoon and arrived in Kansas City that evening, checking into the Candlewood Suites Northeast. As a long-term stay hotel, it provided some unique amenities, like a fully equipped kitchenette, which is great for longer visits. The hotel has a small store where you can pick up snacks and essentials, as well as free coffee, which is a nice touch. Since it’s not in the city center, the hotel location was close to restaurants like IHOP and retail stores like Target—a bonus for grabbing any last-minute items. But next time, we may consider staying closer to the main attractions, as we spent quite a bit of time driving. If you are coming for family fun during the summer, it is a perfect location as Worlds of Fun and Oceans of Fun are right across the highway.
Trying for Joe’s KC BBQ
Our original dinner plan was to dive into some authentic Kansas City BBQ at Joe’s KC BBQ, famous for its smoky, savory goodness. Unfortunately, so was everyone else! The line was out the door and down the sidewalk. Although we couldn’t wait that evening, Joe’s KC BBQ has been a favorite from past visits, and in our opinion, it’s one of the absolute best BBQ spots around. Note to future visitors: if you’re set on eating here, try going at an off-peak hour!
Dinner at OurHouseKC
With Joe’s off the table, we opted for OurHouseKC. My Cuban sandwich, served on marble rye with diced pickles and aioli, was enjoyable but didn’t stand out. However, their house-made chips were another story—crispy, seasoned, and exactly what you’d hope for in a fresh chip. My wife had pulled pork with mac and cheese, and she was really impressed. The pork was flavorful, and the mac and cheese was creamy and satisfying. Even as someone who typically sticks to boxed mac and cheese, I couldn’t deny that this dish was a winner.
Saturday Morning: City Market and Coffee at Mildred’s
City Market Adventure
Saturday morning, we made our way to Kansas City’s City Market, a lively hub filled with fresh produce, eclectic vendors, and tempting food stands. We grabbed lunch at Tenderloin Grill, famous for its tenderloins, a Midwest classic. The sandwich was juicy, and I especially enjoyed that they served it with horseradish. The ranch fries were perfectly crisp and delicious.
Exploring the market is a must for any Kansas City visitor. You’ll find everything from fresh flowers and produce to locally made crafts and unique shops. We spent time walking around, enjoying the friendly atmosphere and sampling products from local vendors. For our next trip, we’re hoping to try Pigwich, a market staple known for its mouthwatering sandwiches.
Coffee at Mildred’s
After our market exploration, we stopped by Mildred’s for coffee. This cozy coffee shop is tucked in a charming neighborhood with outdoor seating. My mocha cappuccino hit the spot, and my wife’s latte was equally enjoyable. Sipping our coffee outdoors was the perfect way to relax and take in the neighborhood’s charm.
Afternoon Sightseeing: A Ride on the KC Wheel
The KC Wheel
After coffee, we decided to see the city from new heights with a ride on the KC Wheel. This Ferris wheel is fully climate-controlled, offering a pleasant ride regardless of the weather, and it’s set to music, which makes the experience even more fun. We loved the view of Kansas City’s skyline and getting a bird’s-eye view of the city. If you’re visiting with family, the nearby mini-golf course is a nice bonus to add to your afternoon!
Saturday Evening: Dinner and a Show at The New Theatre & Restaurant
The New Theatre & Restaurant
Saturday night, we dressed up for dinner and a show at The New Theatre & Restaurant in Overland Park. This place offers a full buffet with fresh, delicious options, and the atmosphere is both lively and relaxed. We loved being able to dress up a bit, but you’ll see people in everything from business casual to evening wear.
The evening’s show, An Old-Fashioned Family Murder by Joe DiPietro, was a witty, mystery-comedy that brought some laughs and suspense. Starring Sally Struthers, the storyline revolves around a seemingly perfect family gathering that takes a sudden dark turn as secrets unravel, accusations fly, and everyone’s true colors are revealed. The cast kept us thoroughly entertained, blending humor with just enough drama to keep us guessing until the end. We’d recommend this theater experience to anyone who enjoys a night out with some laughs and a good story. Be sure to save room for dessert—the crème brûlée was phenomenal, with a perfectly caramelized top and creamy, rich center.
Sunday Morning: Last Stop Shopping and a Tasty Farewell Lunch
Shopping at Corbin Park Mall
Before heading back home, we made one last stop at Corbin Park Mall. We explored Scheels, a sporting goods store that goes above and beyond with its impressive aquarium and extensive displays of stuffed game. We also stopped by Petco and Kirklands, rounding out our trip with a little shopping.
Lunch at Firebirds Wood Fired Grill
We wrapped up our trip with a fantastic lunch at Firebirds Wood Fired Grill. For an appetizer, we ordered bacon deviled eggs, which were creamy, tangy, and topped with crispy candied bacon—a delicious twist on the classic. I went with the steak tacos paired with cider slaw, while my wife ordered a smokehouse chicken bacon sandwich with steak fries. The tacos had a great flavor balance, and the slaw added a refreshing crunch. Meanwhile, the iced tea was refreshing and perfectly brewed, hitting just the right note between strong and mild.
Final Thoughts: Tips for Future KC Travelers
Our weekend in Kansas City was full of great food, interesting sights, and memorable experiences. If we could do it over, we’d probably choose a hotel closer to the city center, as we ended up driving about 20 minutes between many of our destinations. Staying centrally located would have cut down on our travel time and given us more time to soak in each activity.
Also, I’d highly recommend using a rideshare service like Lyft or Uber to get around, especially if you plan on enjoying KC’s nightlife or just want to avoid the hassle of parking. Kansas City traffic can be heavy, and it’s simply more relaxing to take in the sights rather than focus on navigating. Plus, if you’re planning on having a few drinks, a rideshare is an easy, safe choice that lets you fully enjoy the experience without any worry.
One thing we missed out on during our Kansas City trip was Topgolf. Starting on Saturday morning, we made several attempts to get in, hoping to catch an open spot for some laid-back golf and food. But each time, we were met with a wait time of two to three hours for walk-ins! For those who haven’t been, Topgolf is an amazing spot with interactive golf games in a lively, social setting—perfect for everyone, whether you’re a golfer or not.
We didn’t realize in advance that you need to book your bay for at least two hours. Next time, I’ll definitely make a reservation, as Topgolf would have been a fun addition to our weekend. With great food, drinks, and an energetic atmosphere, it’s a must-do in Kansas City if you’re looking for something different!
All in all, Kansas City is a fantastic weekend getaway spot, with a mix of activities for everyone, from foodies to theater lovers to those looking to kick back and relax. If you’re planning a visit, bring your appetite, a sense of adventure, and maybe a little extra time for the lines at Joe’s KC BBQ!
If you’d like to read about some of our other trips, check out some of our other blog posts. Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook and Instagram.
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