After scoring 10 goals and conceding none after their last two matches this past week, the Philadelphia Union head back out on the road to Kansas City to battle Sporting KC in which, again, should be an interesting battle at Children’s Mercy Park.

If you are heading to the match, here are a few places to check out as Kansas City, while known for its BBQ, has so much more to offer.

If you have any additional travel questions, feel free to reach out to me at my travel email: Kyle@madhatteradv.com.

With that said, let’s get into this weeks travel article.

Places to Visit

Kansas City offers a large number of creative and recreational activities, museums and sports events. The city also houses some of the most beautiful musical halls and theaters that will leave an impression of those who visit. Here are a few of my favorite recommendations.

Kansas City Power & Light District
Kansas City’s number-one neighborhood for entertainment lines up a decent number of stores and is home to the most popular watering holes of Kansas Citians. Its two-floor KC Live is also a popular concert venue. This 9-block district connects the Convention Center to the Sprint Arena, so all the other major KC sights are within easy reach.

Website: www.powerandlightdistrict.com

Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium

The Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium is one of the premier zoos in the Midwest, spanning more than 200 acres in Swope Park. It combines a large traditional zoo with the modern Sobela Ocean Aquarium, giving visitors the chance to see nearly 10,000 animals from around the world in a single destination.

Website: https://kansascityzoo.org/

Powell Gardens

The Powell Gardens sit atop 915 acres of rolling hills and windswept meadows. This botanical garden is one of Kansas City’s finest attractions, with display gardens, interesting architecture, a nature trail, and a year-round calendar of special events. If you are in to nature this needs to be on your list of places to visit when in town.

Website: www.powellgardens.org

Negro Leagues Baseball Museum
In a building shared with the American Jazz Museum, this location will give you an insight into more than 200 years of African American baseball history. If you have seen the latest season of the AppleTV show “Ted Lasso,” this should be familiar to you from the season premiere.

Website: www.nlbm.com

Steamboat Arabia Museum
This museum is an homage to the Arabia riverboat that sank in the Missouri river in 1856. If you are interested in boat technology or the 19th-century history of the United States, then the Steamboat Arabia Museum is a must-see destination for you.

Website: www.1856.com

The National Museum of Toys and Miniatures

The National Museum of Toys and Miniatures is one of Kansas City’s most unique attractions. Located on the University of Missouri–Kansas City campus, it houses the world’s largest collection of fine-scale miniatures and one of the nation’s largest public collections of historic toys, with more than 100,000 objects spanning over three centuries.

Website: https://toyandminiaturemuseum.org/

Places to eat

Kansas City boasts some of the best barbecue places in the States. Whether it’s a quick bite at a casual diner or a fancy dining experience, there is something for everyone’s tastes buds and budget.

Arthur Bryant’s Barbeque

If you are looking for some authentic Kansas City barbecue, look no further than Arthur Bryant’s Barbeque. Since its opening over a century ago, dinner was served at this restaurants to presidents like Truman, Carter, and Reagan. Bryant’s Barbecue lives up to its longevity and reputation by serving what many consider the best barbecue in Kansas City, so be sure to stop and grab some of that legendary BBQ.

Website: www.arthurbryantsbbq.com

Jack Stack Barbecue

This place combines upscale restaurant scenery with a delicious soul food menu. Originally a simple smokestack BBQ joint, the competitive nature of the barbecue business prompted Jack Fiorella and his wife Delores to expand the restaurant’s horizons. Pay a visit to try Fiorella’s famous BBC flavors with non-traditional menu items like the BBQ fish!

Website: www.jackstackbbq.com

B.B.’s Lawn Side Bar-B-Q

B.B.’s is where barbecue meets the good old blues. Visit this family-friendly restaurant to enjoy smoked meats, ribs, soups, and various dishes from Louisiana. You surely won’t make a mistake with one of the popular burnt end dishes—or simply ask for the special of the day. They have gluten-free meals, too.

Website: www.bbslawnsidebbq.com

City Market

Browse the stalls of fresh groceries and produces, or taste international cuisine as exotic as the Ethiopian one—the City Market of KC is a must-visit place for foodies, but it also won’t leave you disappointed if you are on the lookout for unique antiques, clothes, and works of art, or into some gambling at the casino on hand!

Howl At the Moon Kansas City

Located in the P&L District, this place has always been a preferred location for lovers of live music. Some of the best Kansas brews are on offer here, and their popular 86 oz. buckets of booze will surely get you in the mood for an all-nighter party.

Website: www.howlatthemoon.com/kansas-city

Kelly’s Westport Inn

A traditional Irish pub in what is considered the oldest building in KC, this is the spot to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, or just to wash down the grub with a pint of Guinness in the happy hours in the end of the day. At the watering hole of KC’s numerous Irish community, fun is always guaranteed.

Website:www.kellyswestportinn.com

Boulevard Brewing Company
The largest specialty brewer in the Midwest offers 21 types of beer year-round as well as seasonal brews, including the popular Smokestack Series. Tours with tasting are available between 11am to 4pm on weekdays and are free on Wednesdays. Enjoy your pint with a nice view of downtown, this a must for any craft beer lover.

Website: www.boulevard.com

Safe travels to the match if you are heading that way this weekend. And please comment if there are places you enjoy as well to have your recommendations featured in upcoming articles.

Main article photo courtesy of the Philadelphia Union