Kansas City

Depending on your tastes, Kansas City has something for everyone. The Countryclub Plaza area downtown offers wonderful shopping in a number of classy boutiques and fabulous dining options. The home of the Royals and Chiefs, there are great sporting opportunities year round. As mentioned above, Kansas City is a great stop to have mouth watering barbecue and hear fabulous jazz in a number of locations and keep your eye out for concerts and other special attractions that are constantly popping up.

Quick Tips:

As with any major city, having some idea of direction is a great advantage. Do some research before you head out and pick up a cheap city map that will greatly aid you in finding your hotel and those "can't miss" destinations. Also, make a list of the things that you feel are essential to making your trip to Kansas City a memorable one. Reading the Kansas City Star, which is available in practically every major city and online can also help point you in the direction to any special events that might be popping up while you're in town.

Best Way To Get Around:

A public transportation system does exist, but driving is still the easiest way to get around in the city. Traffic isn't nearly as bad as what you'll find in most large cities and parking isn't the hassle that you'll find other places. Bring your car and enjoy having the flexibility that being able to get out and explore the city will allow you.

Recently converted from a Ritz Carlton, the Fairmont is a fine alternative to continue the tradition of extravagance in hotel stays. Located in the Country Club Plaza section of the city and easily accessible from the interstates that run through the city, you''ll find a fabulous old hotel that has been on this site for 50 years. The richly decorated lobby includes a lounge and gorgeous artwork and furnishings. When you reach your room, you''ll find a personal patio/deck and a nicely equipped hotel room. Complete with two desks, three telephones and a marble bathroom with scales and a shaving/makeup mirror you''ll feel pampered. Slip into a heavy terry cloth bathrobe that you''ll find hanging in your closet and relax with a treat from the mini bar or from room service or simply enjoy the view from your room of downtown. Surprisingly reasonably priced for what you''ll find, the Fairmont is reasonably affordable at $125 or so a night and parking is free in their adjoining deck. On your next visit to Kansas City, let me highly recommend the Fairmont for a luxurious stay in the city.

Located in the opulent Country Club Plaza section of downtown Kansas City, KC Masterpiece Barbecue is the home of the barbecue sauce of the same name. Having the same Spanish architecture on the oustide as the rest of the neighborhood, the spacious interior is definitely unique. With leather booths and a huge mural of celebrity diners, you're likely to feel a personal connection to this restaurant from the moment you step in the door. If you're visiting Kansas City, you're probably aware that the city is famous for its barbecue and this is certainly one restaurant that continues that fine tradition. With everything from barbecue sandwiches to plates piled high with barbecued beef or pork, there is something for everyone on this menu. I highly recommend the Burnt Ends! When the barbecue is cooked in a pit the outside becomes blackened or burnt and often contains the best flavor of any of the meat. At KC Masterpiece, they cut off those burnt ends, cube it, smother it in their own barbecue sauce and serve it piled high atop a slice of bread and serve it with two side items. The dirty rice and barbecue baked beans would be my favorite sides. If you have room for dessert, the menu looks fantastic with everything from chocolate fudge brownies to simple ice cream. Whether dining here for a fabulous meal with the family or visiting with business guests, KC Masterpiece is perfectly at home hosting either. After you eat, you're in a wonderful and beautiful part of the city to stroll around and take in the scenery.

As you walk in the door of Kansas City's most famous barbecue chain, you'll be greeted by chants of "what may I get you?" The Gates' greeting may seem rude to some, but it is a gesture of a longstanding sense of community and appreciation of their customers.

The first time visitor to any of the Kansas City locations will find a menu list that may very well seem overwhelming. Ranging from pork barbecue on a bun to sides of ribs, nothing at Gates' can be considered a poor choice. The barbecue is smothered in the world famous Gates' sauce and the meat is so tender and flavorful that it literally falls off the bone. For those looking for a spicy flavor, Gates' hot sauce has won many an international competition and they feel so strongly about their food and their sauce that they mail order both around the country and the sauce can be found in any grocery store in the Kansas City area. Although a bit pricier than many of the other area barbecue establishments, once you've had Gates you'll never settle again for any of the second bests that may be found throughout this city known for barbecue.

Rated as one of top 100 restaurants in the United States and by many as the number one steak house in Kansas City, The Golden Ox gained fame and popularity through it's close association with the world famous Kansas City stockyards.

Located in the same building in the stockyards since it's founding in the 1940's, the Golden Ox serves up a simple menu of steak cuts with little else offered. Remember that you're visiting for perhaps the finest steak you've ever sunken teeth into and forget about the tacky surroundings that include red velvet walls and bull's antlers adorning the walls. The service is reasonably slow, but the staff is friendly and is certainly willing to help you make your visit a memorable one, from taking family pictures to creating balloon sculptures, these waiters and waitresses earn their tips and keep the service staff rated among Kansas City's best.

The Kansas City strip steak is the most popular and most frequently recommended and is served with salad and a choice of sides. Try the caesar or house salad, both with homemade dressings and then you'll be greeted soon after by one of the most tender, flavor rich steaks you've ever ordered. When you're finished, if you've room for dessert, their dessert menu is paltry but eclectic with choices from chocolate fudge cake to cheesecake and ice cream. Although the prices are a bit steep, the visit is certainly worth the investment and my best is that you'll discover a fabulous new restaurant that you'll return to again and again.

Tucked away in a part of Kansas City not known for tourist attractions and large crowds, the Salty Iguana is a fabulous Mexican restaurant with a family atmosphere. From the namesake iguana, the restaurant is painted in bright colors and with creative murals that put iguana heads on many famous images, including the Mona Lisa. However, the atmosphere is secondary at the Salty Iguana to the food. You'll be greeted at the table by baskets of warm-from-the-oven tortilla chips and perhaps that tastiest, mild salsa that I've ever eaten. The menu is a hulking 3 page oversized menu with practically every Mexican food item imaginable in a wide variety of combinations. I've tried many of menu items and I personally recommend the fajitas (steak or chicken) which have a wonderful grilled flavor or any of the combinations that have enchiladas and tacos. The tacos are served in homemade dark grain taco shells and are certainly a clever creation. Perhaps the only thing better than the food is knowing that you won't have to spend a lot of money for a great Mexican meal for the family. The Iguana also has a full bar with great margaritas and a happy hour Monday-Friday. If you're looking for Mexican food in Kansas City, make a trip out of your way to eat where the locals eat and enjoy the Iguana!

Found in the heart of Westport, a part of Kansas City with ties to the days of the Oregon Trail, Jerusalem Cafe is one of many ethnic eateries blended among the mix of shops and clubs that draw all types of people into the downtown area.

It's not shocking to learn that in an older busier section of town, space is of the essence and the Jerusalem Cafe is no exception. As you enter, you find that the restaurant is quite tiny with dining areas on either side of the front door in very distinctly decorated rooms.

The menu tells you that the fare is Mediterranean with a "Taste of the Holy Land." As such, such delicacies as hummus, gyrros and backlava grace the pages of their menu.

Keeping with the Mediterranean concept, a basket of fresh baked pita bread is served and frequently refilled. Try it with their hummus and you are in for quite a treat.

As far as main courses are concerned, I love their gyrro platter. Rather than served as a pre-manufactured sandwich, you get a basket of tiny slices of pita bread and a pile of gyrro meat served over a spiced rice bed and a cup of their homemade cucumber gyrro sauce. The gyrro meat is absolutely wonderful and has so much flavor. The portions are enough to feed even the hungriest diner and the gyrro platter will easily make a dozen smallish gyrros.

For dessert try their fresh baked backlava which is consistently rated as the best backlava in Kansas City. The layers are so flakey that it nearly melts in your mouth.

Overall, Jerusalem Cafe is rated as one of the top 10 "World" restaurants in Kansas City and it an excellent value. No main course on the menu is priced at more than about $7 and the appetizers like hummus and desserts like backlava are a couple dollars each. A family of four could easily eat here for less than $30.

One note of warning: As the Jerusalem Cafe is in an old store front type setting, parking is slim. Your best bet is to avoid street parking and try one of the shared parking lots that you'll find about a block away from the restaurant. Although that lends a bit of a walk to your visit, you'll find that the opportunity to explore Westport may very well lead to your discovery of another must visit restaurant or an excellent shopping opportunity at one of the many boutiques.

Enjoy your visit to historic Westport, after visiting, you're sure to come back!

In 1972 Playboy magazine put this small Kansas City steakhouse on the map by naming it the best steakhouse in the world. Last fall, they updated their views calling it one of the top 10 steakhouses in the country. What you'll find when you visit isn't what you'd imagine for a top 10 restaurant of any sort. Jess and Jim's is a small storefront sort of restaurant with lackluster and outdated decorations, but don't let the building where it's located discourage you. Nor should the 20 minute drive from dowtown keep you from visiting. Rather, what you'll find at Jess and Jim's is perhaps one of the finest steaks you'll ever eat, in a city that is known for it's steaks. They're known for their Playboy Strip Steak, think of an enormous 28 ounce Kansas City strip and you'll have an idea of what to expect. Served with a loaded baked potato, garlic bread and of all things, a bit bowl of beats and you have an intriguing combination of foods that will leave you stuffed and already planning your next visit to Jess and Jim's. If you're still hungry, a full dessert menu awaits including some sort of chocolate dessert dripping with decadence that I've always wanted to try but haven't yet had space for the dessert. If you're not into steaks, although you've come to the wrong place, they do have a number of other options including some seafood choices and sandwiches.

On top of the food, the service is fantastic. Jess and Jim's staff truly treats you as if you personally are the reason that they are in business. If you're looking for a great steak in a city known for some of the best, Jess and Jim's would be a great choice!

Although the 54th Street Grill belongs to a small chain of restaurants that appear to be located throughout the midwest, we consider it to be one of the better new restaurants in Kansas City and as such thought it would be a shame not to share our discovery.

Your experience with 54th Street Grill is like a visit to Applebees on steroids. The walls are magnificently decorated with antiques and signage that has been collected from around the country. A toy train runs along a track that is seemingly floating in midair running a course around a series of ceiling fans that appear to be operated by a gigantic pulley system. Additionally, a collection of sports memorabilia and large screen televisions makes the dining experience a visual as well as culinary adventure. You could spend your entire meal taking in the surroundings and still not see everything that there is to see. This restaurant is, in terms of decoration alone, an antique lover's dream destination.

The menu isn't bad either. You'll find everything from chicken tenders, to pasta dishes to a fine collection of sandwiches, steaks, and other pub fare on a very nicely stocked menu. If I might make a suggestion, the "Goodfellas Sandwich" is a fantastic choice. Thick of an enormous breaded slice of Italian sausage topped with cheese and marinara sauce on a hogey roll with a side of seasoned fries. But the sandwiches aren't the only food items at 54th Street that are oversized. The pasta bowls are enormous. The chicken strips seem to be never ending and visit from Monday to Wednesday and several entrees are all you can eat for the regular menu price.

Additionally, they have excellent happy hour prices from 3-6 and then from 10-close that includes half price appetizers (like chips and salsa, mozzarella sticks, and potato skins) and half price drinks.

I'm usually not impressed by the same old fare that is typically found in chain restaurants but 54th Street Grill has chartered new territory and truly impressed me and I think they'll impress you too!

A reasonably new addition to Kansas City's growing international food scene, Ghengis Khan Mongolian Grill provides not only an incredible dinner but also a unique experience. You'll be intrigued from the time you enter to find a huge circular grill off to one side of the restaurant with chefs busy at work. The interesting twist of Ghengis Khan is that you do the food preparation yourself. Perusing the buffet bar, you select the meats (beef, chicken, fish, squid) that you want in the amounts you want, add fresh vegetables and then create your own seasoning sauce from a combination of individual spices and ingredients including soy sauce, olive oil, wine, garlic, pepper and other oriental seasonings. When you're done picking your meal, take your bowl to the chefs and while you wait they cook your meal. All you can eat and well priced for the quality of the food and service you'll receive, you won't be disappointed but visit at lunch and the $14-15 dinner buffet can be had for about $6. In addition to the buffet bar, you'll find a separate bar with crab wontons and soups and a minimal but tasty dessert bar which is usually stocked with brownies and some other sort of interesting concoction.

The restaurant itself is trendy with large photos of China and original artwork that lends a certain nouveau feel to this cavernous restaurant. Located in the chic 39th street district of Kansas City near the University of Kansas Medical Center, you can stroll down the street after dinner and find little boutique shops and ice cream parlors that make a visit to Ghengis Khan not just a dining experience but also a night on the town.

Although Waldo Pizza is annually ranked as one of the best pizzerias in Kansas City, it's not the public recognition that keeps locals coming back here. The restaurant is small and is made to feel even smaller by walls that divide the restaurant into thirds and are decorated by brightly colored children's artwork. Regardless of the night of the week you visit, you'll likely find a lengthy line, but trust me the wait is worthwhile. The pizza comes in a variety of crust types, the original is my favorite. Their specialty pizzas are wonderful and all their pizzas come with loads of cheese. As an appetizer try the cheese crusts (essentially a small cheese pizza with a variety of cheeses on a thin crust and served with marinara sauce) or the garlic cheese bread, both are delicious, but I'll warn you both are plenty of food so go hungry or with a group if you plan on ordering an appetizer. Waldo also has a fully stocked salad bar with the best garlic ranch dressing I've ever tasted and a beer list with at least 80 beers (on tap and in bottles) and amazingly enough you won't pay an arm and leg to try a new or imported beer. Overall, the dining experience at Waldo is truly a Kansas City experience. Good food, good fun in a good family atmosphere that won't break the bank. Enjoy!

Those that know that Kansas City is famous for its barbecue usually recognize the name of Arthur Bryant. The original restaurant isn't in the best neighborhood but none-the-less it is a Kansas City historical site and the food is nearly as historical.

Don't expect to be impressed by the restaurant itself. It's in an old brick building in an old neighborhood with a simple marquis advertising the presence of greatness.

When you enter you join the back of a usually long line with only a small menu to tell you what's being served. Wait your turn, grab a plate, tell 'em what you'll have and let 'em slap it on the plate for you. Ribs, sandwiches, loose meat, brisket, if it's barbecue you're after, you're in the right place! The sandwiches are thick and served on simple white bread. You'll find Arthur's famous sauce on every table, both the mild and the hot variety (which incidentally isn't very hot, more a tangy sweet sauce that tops a sandwich nicely).

If a thick sandwich is what you're after, allow me to make a recommendation. A sandwich will cost you around $8 (sounds expensive but well worth the money). However, buy a pound of meat ($9.50/pound) and help yourself to as much bread as you'd like on a tray near the cash register. Find a seat and make your own sandwich. This way you can make nearly 2 1/2 sandwiches for a bit more than the price of one. There isn't much in the way of side items, but you will find fries and beans.

There's no question why Arthur Bryant's is constantly rated one of the best barbecue restaurants in the country. The meat and sauces ooze flavor that is so complementary that you'll long for your next visit back to Kansas City and to Arthur Bryant's.

Savor the barbecue and enjoy your visit!

It seems very unusual to find a reasonably authentic German brewpub within the confines of a sprawling railroad-themed casino complex in Kansas City. Yet, Hofbrauhaus is exactly that. A short detour through Ameristar which takes you between the casino floor and a number of other restaurant choices leads you to an open air German bier garden complete with 3-story brewing tanks. Amidst the German flags, polka band instruments, beer steins and other assorted decorations, you find a menu that is stocked full of traditional German fare including bratwursts in a number of different styles, sandwiches, appetizers (try the spinach-artichoke dip, it is honestly some of the best I have ever had), and of course the locally brewed beer. If you enjoy dark beers, try the Black Forest Dark which was a silver award winner at the Great American Beer Festival of 1999.

Overall, Hofbrauhaus is a fantastic restaurant at a great price. You can easily eat dinner here for less than $10 per person and if members of your group aren't into German food or beer, there are 14 other restaurants in the complex nearby to try. Also, the proximity to Kansas City's largest casino floor makes for a fun evening out.

My only complaint about Hofbrauhaus is that because it is located within a casino complex there is no choice of non-smoking dining. The restaurant on one side faces the casino floor and it can be a rather smokey meal depending on those around you.

If you visit take the time to walk around the complex and look around, you'll find historic railroad cars and antique firetrucks, as well as other restaurants, an enormous concert hall and an 18-screen theater complex. Definitely something to do for those of all ages!

In my quest to search out the best pizza that Kansas City has to offer, I came across a traditional favorite and one that came with hearty recommendations. Minsky's is a true Kansas City original. Their first restaurant opened in 1976 and they have continued to spread to new locations throughout the metropolitan area. Honestly, the architecture and decor of the restaurants themselves aren't very impressive and at times the service isn't much better, but that's not what keeps bringing the crowds back. It's all about the pizza and calzones!!!

If you're looking for a pizza restaurant with a local flavor, you've certainly found it with Minsky's. Their menu has one of the broadest lists of ingredients to be found anywhere with everything from zuccini, eggplant, and sauerkraut to pineapple, spinach, and alfredo sauce. They also serve their pizzas on 5 different choices of crusts (original, pan baked, thin, wheat and honey, and herbed) to meet the tastes of most people.

Although the unique ingredients may be tempting, you might be interested in one of their gourmet pizzas. My favorite is the Prime Cut, a delectable blend of lean hamburger, American and Italian sausage, pepperoni, and strips of real bacon.

My favorite thing about Minsky's is that any of their pizzas are also available as calzones and their calzones are truly among the best I've ever tasted. Starting with a garlic crust and stuffed with your favorite toppings, the calzone covers the entire plate and will easily feed among the hungriest visitors (probably with some left over). Best of all, a calzone or pizza at Minsky's makes for an inexpensive meal (around $13-14 for their largest pizza or about $6 for a gourmet toppings calzone).

Also, try their cheese bread sticks which are covered with a blend of melted cheeses and served with hot marinara sauce. They are wonderful and a true treat for those that need a snack while they wait for their meal.

Additionally, although the selection is limited, beer is cheap and every Minsky's location has a separate bar for those in search of mixed drinks.

Minsky's is a gathering spot for sporting events as their plethora of televisions bring in the crowds for the games, so be cautious about when you choose to visit, or if you're a local have 'em deliver or pick your order up.

Overall, Minsky's has definitely earned their place among Kansas City's finest pizzerias. Service might be slow, even a tad rude at times, but if you can see past that to the reason you're there, you are certainly in for a wonderful meal.

Historically, Country Club Plaza was designed to be the nation's first urban shopping center. Modeled after the European notion of living, shopping and eating in the same place and taking its architecture from Spain, the Plaza truly offers something for everyone. From name brand shopping boutiques such as Ralph Lauren, Tommy, Eddie Bauer and Sharper Image to fantastic eateries like KC Masterpiece Barbeuce and The Cheesecake Factory the Plaza is the place to be seen in the city. As you walk the streets amid the fountains and architecture you'll feel a blend of Rodeo Drive and classic Madrid or Barcelona intermingle to provide a unique shopping, dining, living experience. Although not cheap by any means, the Plaza is a great tourist center and is also the location of several of the city's premier hotels like the Fairmont and Embassy Suites. If you're a first time visitor to Kansas City, this is a must see. Bring your camera and enjoy one of the more picturesque areas of the city and know all the while that you're not far from the city's other grand attractions.

When Worlds of Fun was purchased by Cedar Fair--the management group that also owns Cedar Point in Sandusky, Ohio--the roller coaster-minded management invested millions of dollars in creating attractions that will continue to draw both locals and tourists to the park. Located just north of the city on I-435, Worlds of Fun is easy to get to and easy to navigate once you get into the park. An older amusement park that has undergone a major facelift over the last decade, the park is in a quasi-renaissance right now. With a new boomerrang roller coaster this year (2001) and the ever popular Mamba which features a 205 foot first drop at speeds of 70+ miles per hour, there are a variety of thrills and adventures to be had at Worlds of Fun. If the four coasters aren't your forte, the park also has several "old favorites" including an octopus, the Sea Dragon (a boat that swings back and forth), and a couple of water rides including a log flume and a river rapids type ride.

In addition to rides, Worlds of Fun has a variety of shows including music reviews and during the warmer summer months an interesting diving show that concludes with an 80-foot high dive into a relatively shallow pool. Also, you'll find a variety of concessions, of both sit down and fast food types. If you're planning on visiting during the summer months, you might be interested to know that cups of water are always free at the concession stands so you're not forced to pay $4 for a soda.

In addition, if you're a Kansas City local, it's considerably cheaper to buy a season pass for about $60 than to continually buy $30 tickets. However, if you visit Worlds of Fun after 4 PM, ticket prices are reduced to $17.50 until the park closes. In addition to the ticket, plan on spending about $5 for parking.

Overall, Worlds of Fun is a wonderful opportunity for a family outing and a nice detour for roller coaster or amusement park enthusiasts that are passing through Kansas City.

Although the Kansas City Zoo doesn't begin to compare to a major animal park like the San Diego Zoo, it is a very pleasant and enjoyable place to take the kids of visitors from out of town. The number of animals on display pales in comparison to other large zoos also, but what you're likely to discover is that the animal settings are much more natural and interesting than you'll find at some overpacked parks. As a result of trying to keep a more open feel to the park, you'll find that a lot of walking is required. For example, the Africa section of the park is essentially a huge continuous loop that take you out and around a prarie-like setting where the zebras, giraffes, rhinos, lions are found. You should probably plan on allowing at least an hour just to make the loop around Africa. The alternative is paying a small fee for a boat ride that floats you along the edge of the animal enclosures and allows a close up and personal view of many of the animals that otherwise you'll only see from afar. In addtion, for $.50 you can take a bus/tram from the main entrance of the park to Africa which will save you a bit more walking. Immediately to the right after entering the zoo, you'll find the sea lion enclosure where shows are presented every hour or so during the summer months which feature the amazing intelligence and speed of these lazy looking animals. If nothing else, it's a nice distraction and a nice rest from the walking that you'll be doing.

The other unique opportunity that the Kansas City Zoo offers is the presence of Kansas City's only IMAX theatre. Tickets are about $6 per movie and run constantly during the day and even after the zoo has closed for the evening. If you're planning on using an IMAX movie as a rest and cooling off period during the day, you'll need to get your hand stamped before leaving the park itself or else you won't be re-admitted.

Concessions and souvenir shops can be found throughout the park, especially around any special attractions, which currently includes a trio of rare Louisiana albino alligators.

For a cheap family outing in a very relaxing environment, the Kansas City Zoo is a fantastic value and an enjoyable day spent among the exotic animals.

The Nelson Atkins Museum of Art is referred by many to be one of the finest art museums west of the Mississippi. Originating in 1933 as a gift from William Rockhill Nelson, founder of the Kansas City Star, and Mary McAfee Atkins, the museum has grown to occupy a very interesting looking columned building in the center of Kansas City adjacent to the Kansas City Sculpture Gardens. As you approach the museum you'll notice several large, 15 foot high, shuttlecocks along a long grassy lawn leading to the front entrance. At this time, because of renovations, you'll be approaching the museum from near the Westport area of town where free parking exists and a free shuttle runs every 10 minutes. Also, as a result of construction and renovation, the museum is free. You'll find many different types of art displayed throughout the museum in distinct regions of the museum. In addition to the typical classic masterpiece paintings you'll find, including Monet's "Waterlillies", there are several rooms featuring antique furniture that are layed out to showcase various time periods and cultures like a 17th century Victorian room, for example. The museum also has a fine collection of Egyptian art, including carvings and jewelry as well as one of the most famous collections of miniature paintings in the world. When you grow tired of enjoying the art work, the museum also houses one of Kansas City's finer restaurants the Rozelle Court Restaurant, which is reputed to have excellent food and superb service. If you're passing through Kansas City or live here and haven't visited in a while, make a trip to the Nelson Atkins and see what the cultural side of Kansas City has to offer.

More information about the Nelson Atkins museum can be found at: http://www.nelson-atkins.org/

From the moment you arrive on this gorgeous hilly campus, you'll be welcomed by buildings of an attractive modern architecture and a park-like atmosphere. Although located minutes from downtown Kansas City, the campus itself will make you feel as though you're in the country (except for the occasional peek of a skyscraper on the horizon). Offering a full range of programs for undergraduates through professional students, the campus is an inviting prospect for any college student. As you drive around the campus, be wary of the fact that many streets are one way but other than that you should have no problems exploring the campus. Parking is plentiful and free and you'll likely find that getting around is very simple and straight forward. If looking for a school to attend or a campus that can provide a strong library and event schedule, UMKC may be a perfect fit. And don't forget the campus mascot the Kangaroo!

On the eastern side of the city and located adjacent to Interstate 70, you'll find the Truman Sports Complex, site of Kauffman Stadium (home of the Kansas City Royals) and Arrowhead Stadium (home of the Kansas City Chiefs). During the summer months, the Royals play their home games in this recently renovated and very unique baseball stadium. Shaped somewhat like a seashell with an open view of passing interstate traffic, Kauffman is best known for it's flowing waterfalls in beyond the outfield wall. Sporting a 10-story tall crown shaped scoreboard in center field and an oversized replay board in left field, Kauffman is one of the more attractive ballparks in the major leagues. Although the Royals haven't won a pennant in several years and haven't captured a World Series since 1985, Royals fans continue to support their team. You likely won't find 60,000 people at these games and as a result, you can take the family to the ballgame for an affordable amount of money. The most expensive seats, located in the club level, will set you back $19 and the view seats (upper deck) are only a few bucks. In this reasonably small older ballpark there are truly no bad seats in the stadium. If you opt for the club level seats you'll find that your seats are under the uppderdeck overhang so you won't suffer from a sunburn and you'll also be treated with a padded seat.

If you're in the market for a Royals souvenir, shops are located around the ballpark, but the largest and most easily accesible is located directly inside the main gates of the ballpark. Parking is abundant and will cost you $6 and this is one of few stadiums I have visited where traffic leaving the stadium isn't a massive burden. If you live in Kansas City, or passing through, or making a special trip here to watch baseball, you'll certainly be rewarded with a memorable experience in a very nice ballpark.