Unlike the cacophony of street performers in Times Square, the live music in Kansas City was incredible. Everywhere I turned in the downtown area there was someone with an instrument. And most were more unique than the typical guitar, like banjos, trumpets, and saxophones.
When I landed back in NYC , I immediately missed hearing the soulful sounds of the trumpet everywhere I went. When I boarded the shuttle, I went to grab a payment method only to realize it was free. The KC Streetcar offers free transportation for visitors and residents in the downtown area along a 2-mile stretch.
The last stop is Union Station, which is located right near the popular museums and tourist attractions. Even though it was free, it was cleaner and better kept than any subway car I’ve ever been on in NYC. It was remarkable.
After eating a delicious brunch at the Farmhouse — I highly recommend the cinnamon bun — our server asked if we wanted the ticket. My immediate thought was “a ticket for what?” before I realized she meant the bill. I guess it’s one of those dialectical things, like “soda” and “pop.
” I spent the majority of my time in museums on my trip to Kansas City, which isn’t something I typically do. The Museum of Illusions was probably my favorite. Even though there are locations around the world, including in NYC, I’ve never thought to visit before.
It had plenty of opportunities to take cool photos. Just 10 minutes away from that was the American Museum of Jazz. I learn so much about the history of jazz and listened to lots of wonderful music that definitely reminded me I wasn’t in NYC.
The Negro Leagues Baseball Museum was also nearby. And although I didn’t have time to stop by the National Museum of Toys and Miniatures, the fact that it even exists is epic. As a New Yorker, I’m always on the hunt for good food.
I really wasn’t expecting to find a huge trendy market in Kansas City, but I was proven wrong. City Market has dozens of places to get your hands on delicious food like fish, burritos , sandwiches, and burgers. Additionally, on Saturday afternoons, there’s a street fair with local vendors selling handmade earrings, yard decorations, and delicious popcorn treats.
Don’t get me wrong, there’s some lovely street art in NYC. But in KC, there were tons of beautiful murals painted by artists — sometimes on behalf of a store or a brand. My favorite was a mural for a local ice-cream shop in the downtown area.
It was so bright and colorful. The artworks were fun to look at and made great photo spots. Everywhere I turned, places were selling “moon pies” that looked like homemade versions of the brand-name snack.
I’m not from the South (where the treat is most popular) and I had no clue what they were, so I asked. Apparently, they’re similar to s’mores , with two graham-cracker cookies sandwiching a marshmallow and covered in chocolate. I decided to try one from Chip’s Chocolate Factory for the novelty of it, and, boy, it was delicious.
I can see why so many people in KC seem to love them. Honestly, I was a bit nervous to visit Kansas City as a native New Yorker because I didn’t know what the people would be like. Surprisingly, I didn’t encounter a single rude person during my trip.
Everyone I encountered was so welcoming and more than happy to offer directions and recommendations while I was in town. Kansas City also appeared to be more LGBTQ+ friendly than I assumed, which was great to see. .
From: insider
URL: https://www.insider.com/surprising-things-new-yorker-visiting-kansas-city-first-time-photos-2022-11
