Searching for diamonds is tough, and so is finding a needle in a haystack. Scoping new and not-so-claimed territory can be tricky for anyone, and I know. I’ve lived in Kansas City for almost four years and I still feel fresh to this city and all of its remarkable wonders. I can only imagine how tough it is for someone new moving to this city or even for someone just visiting. Worry no longer, my friend. I’m going to take you and all of Kansas City on a little joy ride. Here, we’ll discover some of the best jewels Kansas City has to offer! Some are new, some are old, but one thing’s for sure, they’re all worth the trip!
Linda Hall Library
Devoted to the realm of technology, engineering and science, Linda Hall Library is one for the books! Literally! This not-for-profit, privately funded library has so much to offer, from its regularly scheduled conversations drawing hundreds of respected researchers together, to its reference services and image reproduction services, Linda Hall Library is definitely a place where great minds go to meet and mingle.
5109 Cherry St., Kansas City, MO, 64110
816.363.4600
Brookside Plaza
Small sub-areas have a huge impact on the Kansas City community. This is awesome for newcomers and anyone wanting to just get out and try something new. If this sounds like you, give Brookside Plaza a whirl! Unique stores abound, like Brookside Toy and Science that features toys both new and old school. One day in this place is a day in heaven for the kiddos. Another great find is 5B and Co. Candles, setting the mood for your sense of smell and even giving you a chance to make candles of your own with customizable options.
5B & Co. Candles
6231 Brookside Plaza, Kansas City, MO 64113
816.361.6393
Brookside Toy and Science
330 W. 63rd St., Kansas City, MO 64113
816.523.4501
The Blue Line
Do you like sports? What about food? How about a nice brew? If you answered yes to all of these or even one of these questions, the Blue Line definitely should be a place on your to-do list! Voted Kansas City’s number one sports bar and Kansas City’s only hockey bar, this place definitely has the personality to keep you coming back time and time again!
529 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106
816.472.PUCK
Mill Creek Sanctuary
Looking for a nice, serene place outdoors to relax, read a book or even walk the dog?
Mill Creek is it! This small street corner haven is the outdoor place to become one with nature. This mill has two close-knit waterfalls that are oriented in a direction where they both perfectly kiss the sun. This mill also has plenty of verdure and sits adjacent to Mill Creek Park.
4400 J.C Nichols Pkwy., Kansas City, MO 64111
Blue Sushi Sake Bar and Grill
This place is amazing! If you are a true sushi lover, you have not lived until you’ve tried Blue Sushi Sake Grill. This fan favorite puts a new spin on old classics, and if you’re looking to switch it up for date night or even just wanting to let your hair down for happy hour, they have all you want and more! Blue Sushi even ticks with the times and offers a gluten-free menu for a price tag you just won’t believe. Take my word for it: This place is definitely worth a try!
4705 Rainbow Blvd., Westwood, KS 66205
913.236.6100
Blue Koi and Genghis Khan Mongolian BBQ Grill
Not quite ready to go completely raw but love a little Asian flair? Well these next two places have delightful surprises for guests. Blue Koi is a pot sticker’s paradise. This restaurant takes flavor and punches you square in the face with it. Their dishes come in all shapes, sizes and colors. You are sure to find the perfect pairing at this place. Did I mention that this restaurant has a sister restaurant called the Genghis Khan Mongolian Grill that has a spicier, flavor-packed, kick-you-in-the-stomach-in-a-good-way, easy-on-the-pocketbook, not-so-traditional barbecue flair? This restaurant serves some of their family’s best-kept food secrets. Well, there you go—your mind has just been officially blown. Oh, it also is a buffet.
Blue Koi
1803 W. 39th St., Kansas City, MO 64111
816.561.5003
Genghis Khan Mongolian Grill
3906 Bell St., Kansas City, MO 64111
816.753.3600
Birds Botanical
This botanical doesn’t feature birds but, rather, is owned by them. David Bird and the Bird family own this underground warehouse and grow their very own plethora of both wild and exotic flowers—mostly orchids. This climate controlled stead has more than 100 varieties to choose from. The family even gives tours and has quite the bragging record.
The Underground Cave
8201 E. 23rd St., Kansas City, MO 64129
816.252.4478
Kansas City Observation Deck
Not into going under the city? Well, this next place will send you over it! That’s right, the Kansas City Observation Deck will give you the best view this city has to offer. The KC Observation deck has a beautiful view 30 floors from the ground. The deck is located inside one of the tallest city halls in the nation. The view is compared to that of one from an airplane. Be careful though—this view is by reservation only.
414 E. 12th St., Kansas City, MO
816.513.3600
Manifesto
Looking for a great way to kick off a romantic evening? Manifesto definitely can set the tone and mood you’re looking for. This luxury cocktail lounge’s setting is in the basement of the former Rieger Hotel. This lounge gives you a sexy and sleek start or finish, sure to impress even the pickiest of crowds. The bar even adds a hint of mystery: In order to get in, you have to call ahead and then be escorted through the back of the hotel, downstairs and through a tunnel. Everyone deserves a good mystery!
1924 Main St., Kansas City, MO 64108
816.536.1325
There you have it, folks, KC’s best-kept secrets. The list of goodies this city offers definitely doesn’t stop here. With a little help from locals, family friends and KC Going Places, you’ll be sure to lengthen this list on your own in no time! Happy finds!