Located in the heart of America, experience the best of the Midwest when you travel to Kansas City, Kansas and its nearby cities. While Kansas City is perhaps known for their barbecue, they are more than brisket and ribs.
Here you will discover a thriving and culturally diverse city full of charm and oozing with history – Kansas City will surprise you! Bonner Springs and Leavenworth offer some great experiences too.
Stay
Chateau Avalon Hotel and Spa
Be transported when you choose to stay at Chateau Avalon in Kansas City, a French-inspired hotel with all the amenities. Each suite contains an in-room jacuzzi and room service is never more than a call away. Or leave the comfort of your suite to enjoy a cocktail at their award-winning bar or a service at their luxury spa. To learn more, visit chateauavalonhotel.com.
In Leavenworth, the brand new Fairfield Inn and Suites is plush luxury. Free WiFi, a pool and free breakfast in their vibrant lobby, along with great rates, make this a perfect stay away from home.
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Do
Strawberry Hill Museum
History has been well preserved within the walls of this Queen Anne-style home. Cultures brought to Kansas from Eastern Europe and elsewhere all have their place at the Strawberry Hill Museum. Here you will also find their St. Pope John Paul II exhibit, paying homage to the former Bishop of Rome. Tours are available from noon-5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. To learn more, visit strawberryhillmuseum.org.
Voler-Thieves of Flight Aerial
Take things to new heights at Voler, where they offer performances and training in all things aerial. Try an acroyoga class or stay for “Tordu Vol, A Twisted Tale of Flight.” Classes are offered to those of all skill levels, beginner to advanced. To learn more, visit thievesofflight.com.
Legends Outlets Kansas City
Come to Legends Outlets for premium outlet stores like Kate Spade and Coach and shop until you drop. Here you will also find a variety of dining and entertainment options. For a full list of shops, visit legendsshopping.com.
Rowe Ridge Vineyard and Winery
The Rowe Ridge Vineyard and Winery opened the doors to their tasting room in 2012 and have been serving samples of their delicious wine ever since. The tasting room is open Thursday to Sunday, noon-5 p.m. At Rowe Ridge, they grow nine varieties of grapes and currently offer 10 kinds of wine in their tasting room. To learn more, visit roweridge.com.
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Moon Marble
Learn how to play marbles at Moon Marble, where you will find handmade marbles made by on-staff artists. You can even watch them being made. Bruce Breslow, who has been making marbles for 25 years, is an expert in his field and creates marbles from Italian glass. Every inch of space is crammed with classic toys. Kids of all ages love the magical shelves filled with toys and games from childhood. For more information, visit moonmarble.com.
National Agricultural Center and Hall of Fame
Historical exhibits focused on the past, present and future of agriculture can be found at The National Agricultural Center and Hall of Fame. Tour the museum, witness one of their living history displays or come out for one of their special events. The center is open 10 a.m.- 4 p.m., Monday-Saturday.
Zip KC
Check out Zip KC for zip line adventures soaring high over the Kansas River. There are nine lines that stretch 5,800 feet. The Ultimate Tour will take you through all nine lines and lasts approximately three hours. The tour ends with the Zero Gravity drop if you dare! For more information, go to zipkc.com.
Downtown Leavenworth
Leavenworth Board and Brush is so much fun. It is located in the heart of Leavenworth’s wonderful downtown, which is filled with blocks of fun gift shops where you will find gifts, jewelry, clothing, specialty foods, furniture, pottery and more. We loved the First Taste Olive Oils and Vinegars shop. No girlfriends’ getaway would be complete without a trip to the spa and Bella Vita Salon and Spa offers all the traditional services in an elegant atmosphere. Z&M Twisted Vines Wines and Winery is also downtown with a funky, mellow tasting room.
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Eat
1889 Pizza Napoletana
After studying abroad in Italy, Jason Kolich, a Strawberry Hill native and co-owner of 1889 Pizza, knew he had to open up a pizzeria in Kansas City. With an imported wood-fired oven from Italy, dough made in-house and tomatoes from the base of Mt. Vesuvius, you can’t get much closer to authentic Neapolitan pizza in Kansas City then you can at 1889 Pizza. Wife Kelli offers make-your-own pizza classes too.
Third Space Coffee
Following home and work, the third space the community can use to connect and spend their time is Third Space Coffee in Bonner Springs. These new kids on the block may be one of the younger members in the community but they’ve been in the coffee business a long time. Here you’ll find craft coffee, pastries made in house and breakfast and lunch items. For a full menu, visit thirdspacecoffeehouse.com.
El Potro
This charming Mexican restaurant located in Bonner Springs is family owned with a happy family atmosphere.
Turn2
Located at the Hollywood Casino at Kansas Speedway, Turn2 is a casual sports bar offering burgers and brews. Grab a quick bite before hitting the slots or swing by for drinks post poker. Happy hour runs Monday-Friday from 3-5 p.m.
Mama Mia’s
Mama Mia’s in Leavenworth is family owned. Reasonable prices and friendly service are their highlights. Enjoy dining outside in the large backyard dining area.
Ready to plan your visit to the Kansas City area? Go to visitkansascityks.com, bonnersprings.org and visitleavenworthks.com for more.
