Second City Sojourns: An Arts & Letters Weekend in Kansas City

Nelson-Atkins Museum

A visit to this Kansas City institution starts when you’re greeted by 20-foot-high shuttlecocks and continues through over 5,000 years of art. Home to art from around the world and free to the public, this museum is worth spending a few hours meandering through; make sure you don’t overlook the impressive sculpture garden.

Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art

A very short walk from the Nelson-Atkins is the Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art, which is also free! Exhibits are thought-provoking and information-dense; the onsite restaurant is beautiful and worth a stop.

The Rabbit hOle

Something out of a child’s wildest imagination, this first-of-its-kind museum takes famous works of children’s literature and brings them to life through immersive and interactive displays. If you grew up reading, or being read to, there is a high likelihood that one of your favorite fantasy worlds has been made real. Adults are welcome without children (but will be given a wristband to denote their “unaccompanied non-minor” status) and purchasing tickets in advance is strongly recommended.

Union Station & WWI Monument

In the middle of the city on a hilltop lies the only monument and museum dedicated to World War I in the country. The Liberty Memorial Tower, which rises from the hilltop, has some of the best 360-degree views of Kansas City. Right down the hill lies Union Station, a train station that’s over 110 years old and that has been renovated and reopened to the public. While the grand architecture alone is worth a stop, you can enjoy the shops and restaurants as well.

West Bottoms neighborhood

This industrial neighborhood next to downtown KC and situated between the Missouri and Kansas rivers is the place for antique and vintage shopping, in addition to some great local stores. If you happen to be there in the fall, check out their famous haunted houses—if you dare!

River Market neighborhood

Located just above downtown, the River Market is home to Kansas City’s beloved City Market, which, for over 160 years, has been welcoming locals and tourists alike to browse over 140 stalls of produce, flowers, baked goods, and a variety of other items. The market is only open Saturdays and Sundays, but the restaurants and specialty grocers that are on the perimeter tend to be open all week. Nearby is the sprawling River Market Antiques—plan to spend at least an hour perusing the wares.

McClain’s Bakery

A Kansas City institution with five locations and an extensive menu of cakes, cookies, and pastries. Open since 1945, this is the kind of community cornerstone that makes locals regulars and out-of-towners wish they were local.

Clay & Fire

Housed in a 100-year-old house in the funky West Side neighborhood, Clay & Fire serves what it calls “Near Eastern” dishes and, randomly, though it manages to work, pizza. The mezze is not to be missed and is so good it may end up just being your whole meal.

Blackhole Bakery

Come here for their classic French pastries or the fan favorite: mochi donuts in a huge variety of innovative flavors. Make sure you get here early, as they often sell out quickly, and there is usually a line half a block long before they even open.

Messenger Coffee Company

While there are a few locations, the Crossroad Arts District is the flagship and where all the beans are roasted, making it the best stop for out-of-towners wanting to enjoy quality coffee. The three-story building is light and airy with lots of space to spread out and work or just people-watch. The rooftop patio has incredible views and isn’t to be missed.

Arthur Bryant’s

Kansas City is a barbecue town and is characterized by having sauces that are thick and sweet, often with tomato and molasses as a base. With over 100 restaurants to choose from, Arthur Bryant’s is a standout choice as it is famous for popularizing “burnt ends,” a Kansas City staple.

The Campground

Known for their amazing martini (which comes with potato chips) and wonderful cocktails, the food menu here is just as worthy of praise. The upscale rustic aesthetic and outdoor patio bring all the best parts of camping without actually having to rough it.

Yoli Tortilleria

This place was locally beloved way before it won the 2023 James Beard Award for Outstanding Bakery, but that has only cemented its status as a Kansas City institution. Their corn and Sonoran-style flour tortillas are a must-try. The café is small, and a table for dine-in may not be available, but a burrito in your car is worth it when it’s this good.

Baba’s Pantry

This Palestinian-American deli was voted one of Bon Appetit’s Top 10 New Restaurants in 2022, and it’s not hard to see why. Beloved dishes like shawarma and falafel are incredible, but the standout is the deli case of spreads and dips. On the weekends, the bakery next door is open and sells a rotating variety of sweets that are equally worthy of a stop.