Guide to Kansas City's top attractions and accommodations in this jazz and barbeque capital

The self-described "barbecue capital of the world," Kansas City, also known by its initials KCMO, is a jazz hotbed and a former American frontier. Known for its distinctive fusion of Southern charm and Midwestern vitality, it is situated just across the state line in Missouri. Enjoy the city’s diverse attractions and experiences, making it an unforgettable destination by booking DTW flights to Kansas City.

Favourite activities

The ultimate border of the United States was Kansas City, which is situated where the Missouri and Kansas rivers meet. Independence was the starting point for the westward exodus that started in the 1830s, but Kansas City quickly became the hub for trips along the Santa Fe, Oregon, and California trails. The vibrant Westport neighborhood, where KCMO was established, provides a glimpse of this past. Through a collection of steamboats from the 19th century, the Arabia Steamboat Museum illustrates the lives of frontiersmen. Due to the restricted bus service, trips to Independence and St. Joseph are advised.

Examine the art world

Thanks to the inexpensive art market conditions during the Great Depression, the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, located in Kansas City, Missouri, is a focal point of the city's vibrant art scene and is home to a significant collection of Asian art as well as a priceless Caravaggio.

Over a dozen tiny galleries, including the Leedy-Voulkos Art Centre and Belger Arts Centre, can be found in the Crossroads neighborhood of Crossroads. All of these galleries are free to visit and are close by.

Enjoy the jazz

Due to the prohibition era, when then-councilman Tom Pendergast let alcohol sales continue unrestrained, jazz, which originated in New Orleans, developed in Kansas City. African-American musicians from southern states were able to flourish in clubs as a result. The American Jazz Museum provides information on jazz musicians and their development as well as interactive exhibits. Open jam sessions are held at the cozy jazz bar The Blue Room, and the Green Lady Lounge has a speakeasy vibe. After their main performances, early jazz performers perform at the nightclub The Mutual Performers Foundation, which opens at 1:30 a.m.

Where to stay

The arts district's Crossroads Hotel converted the frame of an ancient brewing building into a buzzing lobby bar. The hotel offers opportunities for residents to network by holding frequent networking events and changing art exhibits. In Kansas City, the 21C Museum Hotel brand has turned old buildings into hotel-meets-art places. The foyer exhibits a rotating cast of artworks and offers public and private guided tours.

Where to eat

A well-known spot for elegant dining, The Town Company in Hotel Kansas City serves a variety of meals, including steak tartare and rolled lamb shoulder with seasonal vegetables. The restaurant's owners, Johnny and Helen Jo Leach, who formerly worked at American eateries, now emphasize refined Midwestern fare. Over 600 pitmasters attend the annual barbecue festival in Kansas City, making it a popular place for locals to choose and blend cuisine. If you want to know more about Kansas City then book a flight from Detroit to Kansas City.