Top Rated Attractions in Kansas City

Chicago has the Green Mill and Kansas City has the Green Lady, a couple of things they have in common are great jazz and loads of ambiance. The only difference with the K.C. version is that guests can enjoy a couple of small bites while listening to some up-and-coming local artists. The cocktail menu is also filled with a lot of old-school drinks like the Manhattan, Rob Roy, Old-Fashioned and their very own Green Lady made with apple jack brandy. Check website for complete calendar of musicians and other information.

The sprawling Kansas City Zoo, which attracts close to 700,000 visitors annually, is divided into sections named for areas of the world, from Africa and Australia to Farmland USA. Visitors can walk the 202-acre (88 hectares) park or ride trams from one place to another. There is also a guided train tour that allows guests to see park highlights without the fatigue.

The Phoenix is what Yoshi's is to Oakland and The Blue Note is to NYC, most notably it is the city's number one jazz restaurant. Guests come down six nights a week to listen to a varied mix of jazz musicians from around town as well as those touring the U.S. The jazz hall also functions as a restaurant, so you can watch the show while you eat. They have a great happy hour from 3-6pm and on Saturdays their 'Bloody Mary Brunch' allows you to make your own Bloody Mary as you wish! Check website for complete calendar and show times.

Since its opening in the Fall of 1994, over the last two decades the Kemper Museum has become one of the most respected galleries in the region. The permanent collection donated by Bebe and Crosby Kemper features contemporary artwork and some of the artists include the famous glassblower Dale Chihuly, Georgia O'Keefe, Andrew Wyeth and Robert Mapplethorpe, just to name a few. Some temporary exhibits have featured a complete retrospective by fashion photographer, Herb Ritts and a moving AIDS tribute by Robert Juarez. The building merits attention also, it has plenty of nooks and crannies that are interspersed alongside two elongated wings, which makes the structure appear like a bird in flight.

If you are looking to see how Kansas City appeared back when Charlie Parker roamed the streets, stop by the Blue Room. Although the original Blue Room, where the 'Bird' blew saxophone is long gone, this jazz joint is a fine replica of the 1930's club. Located in the historic 18th & Vine district, it is a bit of a museum, with pictures of greats that cover the walls and relics of Kansas City's jazz era adorn the tables. Live music still gets the place swinging four nights a week. No food is available and smoking is not allowed, but there is a fully stocked bar.

If one place could illustrate the heartbeat of Kansas City, it would be Country Club Plaza. Known as one of the first malls in the world, this outdoor district has 180 shops, 38 restaurants, numerous hotels and several entertainment venues. The Plaza abounds with activity almost around the clock and the Spanish Colonial architecture combined with the many fountains for which Kansas City is known, create an atmosphere unparalleled anywhere else in the city. During the holidays, the district glows with the twinkle of millions of Christmas lights.