By Ron Stern, Travel Photojournalist
Kansas City, Kansas and Kansas City, Missouri are often confused with each other. Although the name Kansas ties them together, they have distinct and individual personalities as reflected in their food, culture and attractions that draw millions of visitors each year. The confluence of the Kansas and Missouri Rivers, the same spot where Lewis and Clark once set up camp in 1804, divides these two urban centers.
There are so many things to see and do on both sides of the river it’s hard to include them all. Here is a short list of what not to miss.
Attractions: Some of the best includes The National World War I Museum at Liberty Point; the Arabia Steamboat Museum; Schlitterbahn Waterpark (world’s tallest waterslide), Legends Outlet Mall, The Moon Marble Museum and Prairiefire in nearby Overland Park.
Food of all types: If you like to eat then you will be in hog heaven—literally! There are more BBQ places per capital in the Kansas Metro area than any other city. A couple of great ones include Arthur Bryant’s BBQ and Oklahoma Joes.
Other taste tantalizing restaurants and specialty shops to try while visiting are La Bodega Tapas & Lounge, Christopher Elbow Artisanal Chocolate, T-Rex Café, Strawberry Hill Povitica and Cocoa Dolche.
The people of Kansas are very proud of their communities, regardless of which side of the river on which they reside. To locals, it isn’t even an issue as to them, it is one large metro area filled with fabulous attractions, culinary delights and cultural treasures that are just waiting to be shared. Find out for yourself why a visit to these Midwest cities will make your vacation experience fun and memorable.
Resources: www.visitkansascityKS.com and www.visitkc.com