Here’s our recipe for the best of Kansas City:

Add a little slice of Americana….

Kansas City played an important part in American history. From its early days as a trading port, its existence was defined by its location at the confluence of the Missouri and Kansas Rivers. One way to learn about life in those early days, is to visit the Arabia Steamboat Museum.

In 1856, the Arabia steamboat was headed for Kansas City on the perilous Missouri River. The boat snagged on a hidden log, which punctured the hull, sinking the boat within minutes. For 132 years, it lay hidden, until it was discovered a half-mile away from the river and 45 feet underground. The boat – along with thousands of preserved artifacts – was excavated and the Arabia Steamboat Museumwas founded. For a look back in time, visitors can see a six-ton section of the preserved boat, artifacts from the boat and her passengers, and a full-size reproduction of the deck.

The Jesse James Bank Museum, in nearby Liberty, Missouri, gives visitors another glimpse at life during America’s frontier days. The museum sits at the site of the “nation’s first successful daylight peacetime bank robbery,” a robbery attributed to the infamous Jesse James and his gang. The museum recreates the bank as it was in 1866.  Moving ahead a few decades, the Hallmark Visitors Center walks guests through another era, the birth of the famous greeting card company in Kansas City.

Plus a healthy dose of quirk….

Some of Kansas City’s museums and attractions aren’t quite as mainstream. The Glore Psychiatric Museum houses a collection of information and artifacts related to mental health through the ages, and Leila’s Hair Museum, the only hair museum in the world, boasts thousands of  pieces of jewelry, wreaths, and watch chains made from human hair dating back hundreds of years.

Make it beautiful…

There are over 200 fountains scattered across Kansas City, earning it the nickname, the City of Fountains. The first were erected in the 1800s by the Humane Society to provide clean drinking water for animals. Now they’re a source of beauty and city pride. But they aren’t the only art you can see for free in the city. On first Fridays, the 60-plus art galleries of the Crossroads Art District open their doors and welcome guests with wine and great art.

Performing arts are just as accessible, thanks to the new, multi-million dollar, Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts, which will house the city’s ballet, opera, and symphony.

And pay homage to the heroes…

Kansas City also played an important part in the history of African Americans in the US, and two museum in the 18^th and Vine area showcase this through engaging and informative exhibits. The American Jazz Museum shows the development and important of Jazz music in Kansas City, highlighting how the genre changed not only the jazz music scene, but also the cultural history of America. The Negro Leagues Museum is equally enthralling, taking visitors through an interactive timeline of African Americans in the “nation’s pastime” of baseball.

Kansas City may seem an odd location for a museum and monument dedicated to World War I, but the Liberty Memorial and National World War I Museum may offer one of the most moving, educational, and well-presented histories of the war. The museum, which was designed by the same creator as DC’s Newseum, literally walks the visitor through the history of the War, from its beginnings to the start of American involvement, through to its final days and aftermath. Moving images mix with interactive multi-media displays and artifacts from people on all sides of the fighting. Uniforms, canons, tanks, quilts, and letters from home put a human face on the War in a comprehensive way; visitors can then cap off their visit with a trip to the top of the monument to take in views of the Kansas City skyline below.

Cover it all in barbecue sauce, and wash it down with a drink.

Kansas City may be known for its barbecue, but there’s plenty more diverse eating and drinking on offer. Nibble from the eclectic shops at the City Market - where you can find everything from fresh-made Polish perogies and cheap Indian spices to spicy Mexican burritos and sweet French pastries – or check out one of the city’s many restuarants focusing on farm-to-table fare, like The Farmhouse or Westside Local.

You need a few drinks to go with all the fine fare in Kansas City, and luckily the city knows how to do it right and has been for years. While the state of Kansas enacted prohibition in 1881, Kansas City residents could just mosey over to the bars on the Missouri side of the city. When prohibition finally came to Missouri in 1919, thanks to the 18th Amendment, the local city boss James Pengergast kept the drinks flowing until booze became legal once more.  That commitment to enjoying a fine drink is still present in cocktail bars around the city, like the speakeasy style Manifesto lounge. If beer is your drink of choice, head to Boulevard Brewing, which has been creating craft beer in Kansas City since 1989. While you can try the beer at bars all over the city, these sustainably-brewed beers taste best after the 45-minute brewery tour (book early; tours sell out months in advance).

For a night on the town, check out the new Downtown Power and Light District, an open-air square with more than 50 bars, shops, and restaurants to choose from, including Flying Saucer, a pub with over 250 beers on offer. No matter what your tastes, Kansas City has a place to sate your thirst and fill your belly with a taste of Midwest charm.

More on Kansas City:

• Getting to Kansas City
• Getting Around in Kansas City
• Hostels in Kansas City

The Kansas City CVB provided assistance for my trip, including overnight accommodation and admission to several museums, but my opinions are my own.

Photos by Smiteme, Jim Nix,   heidielliott,  others by the author and my not be used without permission

Bus
The downtown area does have a fairly extensive bus system with an online trip planner, though most tourists will find the Max route covers all their needs. It runs from the City Market through downtown, past the Crossroads Art District and past the Liberty Memorial.

Fares start at $1.50; day passes are $3. Bus drivers do not give change.

Taxi
Away from hotels, finding a taxi on the street in Kansas City ranges from difficult to impossible, depending on the area and time of day. If you find yourself stuck without a cab, find the nearest hotel or just call one.

Walking
In the downtown core, walking is an easy way to get around. But outside of a few square blocks, you won’t see many people on foot. If you plan to walk, check with your hotel to make sure the area is safe, and have the number of a cab company handy in case you need it.

Photo by proforged

Chicago to Kansas City

• Driving distance –513 miles/825 kilometers

Flights
United, America, US Airways and Southwest all fly between Chicago and Kansas City. The flight takes just over an hour and prices generally range from  $150 to $300 round trip (though sales can drop the flight price down to $100 or less round trip, while holidays can push the price over $300).

Journey time: 70-80 minutes
Typical price: $150-$200

Trains
Amtrak runs several trains between Kansas City and Chicago, often priced under $50 each way.

Journey time: About 7 hours

Bus
Megabus makes several daily runs between Kansas City and Chicago; prices are generally comparable to the train though if you book far enough in advance, you can score super cheap seats for $20, $10, and even $1 each way.

Journey time: About 10 hours (with stops)

Driving
The drive between Chicago and South Bend is about 500 miles through Illinois, past Springfield, and then through northern Missouri. Coming in or out of Chicago you’re likely to hit traffic so time your drive carefully.

Journey time: 8 to 9 hours depending on traffic, weather and construction.

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Photo by proforged

Adding Chicago to any trip itinerary is a no-brainer. The food, the friendly people, the architecture, the bars, the sports, the culture – all can keep any traveler busy for days, weeks, months, even years. Because O’Hare is such a huge, international airport, RTW travelers can easily add Chicago to any itinerary. Flights from Chicago go all over the world, and getting to the next destination on your trip should be both easy and cheap.

The aspects that bring travelers to Chicago on a regular basis are major highlights that extended travelers should consider as well. Many RTW travelers tend to look for something a little different, a little unique, a little more indie. Sure, seeing the Sears Tower and wandering around on Michigan Avenue is fun for anyone, but for those looking to get off the beaten path a bit more, Chicago has plenty to offer. Getting out of the main downtown area is always a good idea for those looking to do as the locals do, and Chicago is no different. The destination guides over at BootsnAll look at cities from a RTW perspective. So be sure to read all the tips we have for adding Chicago to your RTW trip itinerary.

Photo Credit: 1

Through December 24 – Christkindlmarkt in Daley Plaza

All month - Free ice-skating in Millennium Park

December1, 8, 15, 22, 29  - Free admission at the Art Institute from 5pm to 8pm and free admission at the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum all day

Through December 16 – Caroling at Cloud Gate at 6pm in Millennium Park

December 2- January 8 - Winter Wonder Fest at Navy Pier

December 2-4, 9-11, 16–January 1 (Closed December 24 & 25) – Lincoln Park Zoo Lights from 5-9 p.m.

December 3-18 on weekends – Breakfast with Santa at the John Hancock Building

December 4, 11, 18 – DuSable Museum of African American History from noon – 5pm

December 10 – 12 Bars of Christmas Pub Crawl

December 6, 13, 20, 27 - Free admission at the Museum of Contemporary Art

December 9 - Pilsen 2nd Friday Artwalk. One of my favorite monthly events, the Artwalk is held at galleries in Pilsen, around 18th and Halsted. Free wine and cheese and great art make this is an excellent (and low-cost) night out. 6pm-10pm

December 31 - New Year’s Eve Party and Fireworks at Navy Pier

Photo by Tom Gill (lapstrake)

Chicago to Champaign

• Driving distance – 138 miles/222 kilometers

Flights
American makes the one hour direct flight between Champaign and Chicago, but given the high prices it’s not the best option.

Journey time: about 50 minutes
Typical price: $300-350 round trip.

Trains
Amtrak runs several daily trains between Champaign and Chicago. The ride is quick and cheap, often priced between around $15 each way.

Journey time: About 2 hours.

Bus
Megabus makes multiple runs between Champaign and Chicago each day. If you buy in advance, you can get a seat for less than $20 each way.

Journey time: About 2.5 hours.

Driving
The drive between Chicago and Champiagn is only 150 miles, but you’ll hit traffic coming into or leaving the city so it could take longer than expected depending on the time of day.

Journey time: 2-3 hours depending on traffic.

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Photo by Spiffy0777

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