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BBQ & other Eateries
I suppose that it would be wrong of me to begin a write up about the KC Metro Area with anything other than BBQ. There is an endless supply of places to get good eats of the smoke and grilled variety and everyone has their particular favourites, so I just picked a few to focus on.
Gates BBQ
A KC staple for 50 years, now with 5 Metro Locations. Just remember, if they are yelling "Hi, may I help you?" and no one is answering, then they are probably talking to you even if you are at the back of the line. They keep things moving.
Arthur Bryant's
Since 1930 celebrities such as Steven Spielberg, Michael Landon, Robert Redford, Jack Nicholson, Wilt Chamberlain, Bryant Gumbel, Tom Watson and George Brett have made the pilgrimage to Arthur Bryant's. Arthur Bryant was quoted about his sauce saying that, " I make it so that you can put it on bread and eat it.". On occasion I have been known to skip the bread part of that equation.
Fiorella's Jack Sack BBQ
One of their locations is right by my house and they have some of the best burnt ends that I have ever tasted. Even if you are not close, they do ship. I would look into if I weren't within walking distance.
Oklahoma Joe's
I personally have not been there, but it did make Anthony Bourdain's "13 Place to Eat Before You Die". And their BBQ Competition Team is called Slaughterhouse Five. How can you beat that? I don't know why I haven't gone already.
Fogo de Chao
Meat. On Skewers. Brought directly to you until you beg for mercy. A tradition on many Magic PT and GP stops. I believe that Ferris said it best, "It is so choice. If you have the means, I highly recommend picking one up. "
Hereford House
If you love Prime Rib the way that I do, you must stop here.
My apologies to all of you who are vegetarian/vegan, as I have not listed any specific options here. A fair amount of the aforementioned locations do have something that you can munch on like a salad bar. Be warned though, it probably has meat on it as well.
Attractions & Shopping
Union Station
Shopping, museums, restaurants and Science City.
Crown Center
Located right by the tournament site, quite an array of things to do. Free Friday Night Flicks for 24 July is "Dr. Strangelove". I might have to skip FNM for this.
Kaufmann Stadium
Home of the Royals. They have just finished a great deal of renovations and any baseball fan should make the trek out and this weekend the Boys in Blue take on the Texas Rangers. There is also the added benefit of going there and harrassing one of our local players, Matt Rader, who was recently employed there. If you do, tell him that I am working on his Duck Suit.
Country Club Plaza
It might be a little early to go see the Christmas Lights (which are impressive), but it does have a little bit of everything. Plus, you can see why Kansas City is called the City of Fountains.
The City Market
In addition to being the region's largest Farmers' Market, The City Market has an extensive calendar, hosting concerts, festivals and other special events April through December.
Worlds of Fun
I have been coming here for the last 20 years or so, and it never gets old. If the day is too nice to stay inside and you want to get in some Roller Coaster time, this amusement park is the place to go.
Museums
The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art
Featuring a diverse mix of collections, at The Nelson there is always something new. And after a trip there, you can say that you have seen the Worlds' Largest Shuttlecocks. Definitely worth the time and effort in my book.
Featuring a diverse mix of collections, at The Nelson there is always something new. And after a trip there, you can say that you have seen the Worlds' Largest Shuttlecocks. Definitely worth the time and effort in my book.
American Jazz Museum
With highlights like The Blue Room and the Charlie Parker Memorial, it's a must for any Jazz Enthusiast.
Negro Leagues Baseball Museum
Any Baseball Fan owes it to themselves to take in a little history here.
National World War One Museum
Designated by Congress as the nation’s official World War I Museum, the new state-of-the-art complex uses an incredible collection and highly-interactive technology to bring this global history to life.
The Truman Library and Museum
Independence, MO served as home to our 33rd President.
Event Site Information
Hyatt Regency Crown Center
The WotC site has plenty of information about the actual site and all the things that go on there, but I thought that I could add a little bit.
From the Hyatt's Website....
Short term (in & out the same day) $10.00 Overnight $18.00 - with in/out privileges.
With highlights like The Blue Room and the Charlie Parker Memorial, it's a must for any Jazz Enthusiast.
Negro Leagues Baseball Museum
Any Baseball Fan owes it to themselves to take in a little history here.
National World War One Museum
Designated by Congress as the nation’s official World War I Museum, the new state-of-the-art complex uses an incredible collection and highly-interactive technology to bring this global history to life.
The Truman Library and Museum
Independence, MO served as home to our 33rd President.
Event Site Information
Hyatt Regency Crown Center
The WotC site has plenty of information about the actual site and all the things that go on there, but I thought that I could add a little bit.
From the Hyatt's Website....
"Parking
VALET:Short term (in & out the same day) $10.00 Overnight $18.00 - with in/out privileges.
SELF PARKING:
Overnight $14.50 with in / out privleges. Banquet Validation $7.00 (3 hours) Early Bird (in before 10am & out the same day) $7.50
Overnight $14.50 with in / out privleges. Banquet Validation $7.00 (3 hours) Early Bird (in before 10am & out the same day) $7.50
This hotel cannot accommodate vehicles that are taller than 6'9" (i.e. no motorhomes/tall vans, etc)."
Now, don't take this as gospel, but I have only ever paid the fee once in all the times that I had been to events there. The trick seems to be that you have to hit the time right. As long as you leave after 11:00 PM or so, there tends to be no one on duty to take your fee so the gates are open. I will leave you to work it out from there. Best of Luck.
(EDIT: Gahh!!! I got ganked. I was just there at the end of May and it worked for me, but it seems that they have closed the loophole for now. Sorry all.)
They also suggest the following for making your way to and from the Hotel....
107 W Lexington Ave
Independence, MO 64050-3705
(816) 252-7529
playgamecafe.com
31st Century Games & Hobbies
2 reviews
2113 E 151st St # B
Olathe, KS 66062-2931
(913) 397-7706
31stcenturygames.com
Win More Games
12108 W 87th Street Pkwy
Lenexa, KS 66215-2810
(913) 541-1740
winmoregameskc.com
So there you have it...
I am sure that I have lost most of you by now, but I hope that there was at least a few tidbits of good information in there. I wish you all the best of luck with your travels and I hope that you have a good time in Kansas City.
As Always,
Lloyd
Now, don't take this as gospel, but I have only ever paid the fee once in all the times that I had been to events there. The trick seems to be that you have to hit the time right. As long as you leave after 11:00 PM or so, there tends to be no one on duty to take your fee so the gates are open. I will leave you to work it out from there. Best of Luck.
(EDIT: Gahh!!! I got ganked. I was just there at the end of May and it worked for me, but it seems that they have closed the loophole for now. Sorry all.)
They also suggest the following for making your way to and from the Hotel....
Transportation
FROM AIRPORT:KCI SUPER SHUTTLE (Hours 5:50am-11:25pm)
$17.00 per person - $29.00 round trip per person. Leaves from Baggage Claim area at 5 minutes to the hour and 25 minutes after the hour. Reservations are not required. For additional info, please call KCI Shuttle service at 800-243-6383. SHUTTLE SERVICE IS WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE WITH CHAIR LIFTS* (Blue vans and buses with yellow lettering that says KCI Shuttle.)
$17.00 per person - $29.00 round trip per person. Leaves from Baggage Claim area at 5 minutes to the hour and 25 minutes after the hour. Reservations are not required. For additional info, please call KCI Shuttle service at 800-243-6383. SHUTTLE SERVICE IS WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE WITH CHAIR LIFTS* (Blue vans and buses with yellow lettering that says KCI Shuttle.)
TAXI: Approx $35.00-$40.00
BUS: Greyhound Bus Station, Taxi approx $5.00
TRAIN: Union Station (Amtrak), Taxi approx $2.00
Local Venues
If you find yourself in town a few days early or late, and still need to get your fix in, here is a list of a few of the Local Stores that run a large number of events. Go out and tell them that I sent you, you will probably get a nice blank stare....
A to Z Comics
1300 sw 40 hwy
Blue Springs, MO 64015
(816) 224-0505
Game CafeLocal Venues
If you find yourself in town a few days early or late, and still need to get your fix in, here is a list of a few of the Local Stores that run a large number of events. Go out and tell them that I sent you, you will probably get a nice blank stare....
A to Z Comics
1300 sw 40 hwy
Blue Springs, MO 64015
(816) 224-0505
| Collector's Cache 13354 College Blvd Olathe, KS 66215 (913) 338-2273 collectorscache.com |
107 W Lexington Ave
Independence, MO 64050-3705
(816) 252-7529
playgamecafe.com
31st Century Games & Hobbies
2 reviews
2113 E 151st St # B
Olathe, KS 66062-2931
(913) 397-7706
31stcenturygames.com
Win More Games
12108 W 87th Street Pkwy
Lenexa, KS 66215-2810
(913) 541-1740
winmoregameskc.com
So there you have it...
I am sure that I have lost most of you by now, but I hope that there was at least a few tidbits of good information in there. I wish you all the best of luck with your travels and I hope that you have a good time in Kansas City.
As Always,
Lloyd
