Why Visit Kansas City? Start with Joe, Then Nelson, And Finish With Howard

Badminton Anyone?

In July 2024, I booked a last minute ticket to visit a dear friend in Kansas City, Kansas; not to be confused with Kansas City, Missouri across the river.    Though I had visited the KC area twice before, this time I was determined to explore both Kansas Cities.    Little did I know what a treat I was in for.

   When I did my usual research on TripAdvisor about what to see and do in KC, up  popped two historical treasures my native Kansan friend Larie confided she had not yet visited.  

Saddle up!  It’s a fun ride —-

First adventure - we spent a delightful morning touring two historical homes close to Larie’s home in Lenexa, Kansas.

Ready to hit the trail!

  The Alexander Majors Museum and Barn.   Fully furnished, this home is one of four surviving antebellum homes in Kansas.  The barn appears to be a great venue for a wedding reception, complete with a Conestoga wagon for added authentic atmosphere.  We were allowed to  stroll the home and grounds at our leisure.  There was plenty of well placed information to guide us.

A great example of a rope bed on display

The John Wornall Home is a prime example of pre Civil war construction in excellent condition.  The home is filled with lovely period furniture and clothing in such great shape, you could swear the owners had just stepped out for a bit.  

Travelers Tip:   We saved money by purchasing a combo ticket good for touring both homes located just minutes apart.

On another morning, Larie and I visited the outstanding Nelson Atkins Art Museum.  I’m not sure why the badminton birdie is the museum’s mascot but their intriguing presence on the grounds increases one's enthusiasm for enjoying the museum's varied art found both in and outside.  The Nelson Atkins is a must see!

Fantastic time at Pierpont's

Kansas City’s Union Station has been painstakingly restored very close to its original splendor.  Located inside the station are a few shops but it is the Pierpont's Restaurant where three of us enjoyed outstanding meals, including Kansas prime beef of course.  Our waiter pointed out that where we were sitting was once the ladies lounge when the station was built in 1914.   The restaurant’s atmosphere is phenomenal, with Beaux Arts influences still found throughout.  Our meals were excellent including service reminiscent of a time when dining out was still a special occasion.   

Another special treat was taking a two hour ride out of the city into the Kansas heartland.  The rural Kansas I saw is beautiful!   Most folks I know think of Kansas as being flat as a pancake; however, the countryside southwest of Kansas City features gently rolling hills and tidy farms.  We spent a lovely afternoon in Olpe where the Chamber of Commerce has smartly posted photos and history of the town which I found fascinating.  What a great idea!

On display on the side of a building in downtown Olpe - great idea

During this trip, I finally visited a museum I had previously not had the time to explore.   The TWA Airport Museum located at the Wheeler Downtown Airport, an easy 25 minute drive from Kansas City International Airport, was my final tourist stop before flying home July 3rd, 2024.

Ready for take off captain!

Though small, the TWA is a top favorite aviation museum.   On the morning of my tour, all docents were former TWA employees.   The pride they still feel for their beloved airline made our tour that much more enjoyable.  

Former training room - as if the pilots just walked away for lunch

You can sit at the table where actual pilot training happened for decades ( yes, the buttons still work)! 

You are invited to climb aboard

You can explore the Lockheed Super G Constellation and sit in an actual cockpit used for training for the Lockheed L-1011 Tristar.  

Training module for the L-1011 Tristar

You can even relax on Howard Hughes’ 1970’s era furniture, still in amazing condition.  

They certainly don't make furniture like this anymore

A particularly solemn room is dedicated to the entire crew and passengers killed in the Flight 800 explosion in 1996.  The tragedy ultimately helped shut down the entire airline permanently.  

Traveler’s Tip:  Allow yourself 2 hours at least for your tour of the TWA Airport Museum. 

Oh my goodness - it's DEEEEELICIOUS!

And, of course I must mention BBQ when talking about Kansas City.  Larie’s husband John, introduced me to Joe’s KC BBQ.  Starting out in a gas station, Joe’s has become a huge local favorite.  The gas station location is still open but expect a long line.  All I can say is it's worth the wait   Be sure to try burnt ends when trying KC barbeque - a delicacy not found anywhere else that I know of.   I gave a bottle of Joe’s to my Carolina living brother Beau and he acknowledged, “That’s pretty good”.  

I flew home so thankful that I finally got to see more of Kansas.  It was full of surprises and great food.   If your travels take you anywhere close - trust me, it’s worth a visit.