Four Places You Might Miss Unless You Read This Article…
Welcome to Kansas City and the 89th Free Will Baptist Convention! Kansas City is a great convention town, with a beautiful convention center, free downtown shuttles, numerous dining options, great attractions, and, of course…barbecue.
Kansas City is known worldwide for its hickory and oak slow-smoked meats lathered in rich, dark sweet sauce (that runs heavy on molasses). Don’t miss the chance to enjoy this regional specialty. I recommend the brisket or burnt ends…followed by a long walk. You’ll need it! You might even saunter by the Museum of Barbecue, only a short walk or shuttle ride from the convention center.
But Kansas City offers much more than barbecue. At the bottom of this article, find links to many familiar attractions, along with important traveler sites. For some real excitement, however, let me suggest four adventures in the Greater Kansas City area, which you may not see in other local travel guides.
Going Off the Rails…Well, Not Really
1. Ride the rails at the Kansas City Northern Miniature Railroad. Located in Frank Vaydik Park, three restored miniature passenger trains operate on a 16-inch gauge, half-mile track that includes a tunnel. Completely run by volunteers, passengers can ride three trains: Line Creek Limited-Kansas City Northern No. 802, the Southern Belle-Kansas City Southern No. 31, and The Eagle-Missouri Pacific No. 561. The trains operate Saturdays and Sunday afternoons.
6060 NW Waukomis Dr, Kansas City MO
Tickets: $1 per ride (twice around the track)
10-ride ticket: $9
20-ride ticket: $20
2. Cross the river into Kansas to visit Fritz’s Railroad Restaurant. The quirky railroad-themed and decorated diner has been a Kansas City staple since 1954. Order traditional (breakfast, burgers, shakes, and delicious) diner food from your booth via vintage telephones, and anticipate your meal to arrive…via miniature train. Kids will enjoy the paper conductor’s hats, and everyone is guaranteed to walk away full.
250 N 18th St, Kansas City, KS
913-281-2777
A Bonus! While on your short Kansas road trip, be sure to swing by and snap a photo with Chick Norris, a 15-foot fiberglass rooster just south of Kansas City.
Find Chick Norris on Facebook!
3. Time travel into the 1950s at the “All-Electric House” built by Kansas Power and Light in 1953 to showcase all that an electric powered home could do for the “modern” family. This architectural time capsule features “cutting-edge” innovations such as remote control lighting, automatic curtains, and a painting that moved aside to reveal a large television set beneath. This unusual attraction will be a trip down memory lane for older adults and eye-opening (to say the least) for the younger crowd. Located inside the Johnson County Museum. Cost: $6 Adults; $5 for kids.
Afterwards, keep the vintage spirit alive with lunch at the local A&W: 9900 W 63rd St, Merriam, KS 66203
4. Take a picture the world’s largest shuttlecocks on the lawn of the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. While there, enjoy the museum’s enormous collection of art in a variety of galleries. The museum is open Thursday through Monday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.. Though admission is free, you must check in, either in person or online.
The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art in Kansas City – World’s Largest Shuttlecock
Travel Tips & Links
Kansas City Visitor Information
The Kansas City Streetcar offers transportation throughout the city. The free, jump-on, jump-off service covers two miles and 16 stops.
Hours of Operation:
Monday to Thursday: 6:00 a.m. – Midnight
Friday: 6:00 a.m. – 1:00 a.m.
Saturday: 7:00 a.m. – 1:00 a.m.
Sunday: 7:00 a.m. – Midnight
Soli Deo offers specialty coffee and teas. Photo: Eric Thomsen
Spilling the Beans on GREAT Coffee (Within a Ten-minute Drive of Convention Central)
- Blip Roasters: Fun, motorcycle-themed coffee shop. Large industrial space with high ceilings and plenty of work and meeting space. No extra charge for non-dairy options and free tastings from 1:00-2:00 p.m. Tuesdays. Location (not walkable):
1301 Woodswether Rd. - Messenger Coffee: Beautiful three-story facility featuring onsite bakery with tantalizing smells that will leave your mouth watering. Location: 1624 Grand Boulevard
- Oddly Correct: It’s all in the menu — great coffee (with free dairy alternatives), house-made biscuits and breakfast sandwiches, and a host of baked goods. In their words, “Stop on by, and we’ll take care of you.” Location: 4141 Troost Ave
- Soli Deo Café: Travel to Europe without leaving downtown Kansas City! Offering a wide variety of hot and cold espresso options, the café describes itself as “a warm and cozy retreat…inviting in people from all walks of life, and communicating that we want you here.” Location (ten-minute drive): 3934 Main St
- Waterbird Coffee Company: Quiet downtown coffee shop nestled between the towers offering specialty espresso drinks, and a warm, artsy atmosphere. 1200 McGee St