Kansas City & Overland Park

Straddling the Missouri-Kansas state line, KC is the city of jazz, fountains and barbecues. With more than 200 fountains trickled throughout the city, it’s no surprise that KC has earned the nickname, “The City of Fountains.”

As one jazz genius put it, “it doesn’t mean a thing if it ain’t got that swing.” And, rest assured, Kansas City has it. From the roaring ’20s through the early ’40s, jazz reigned supreme in Kansas City. Head to the 18th & Vine Historic Jazz District and you’ll see instant proof to the genre’s rich KC roots.

Then take in the American Jazz Museum for a look into the city’s jazz legacy, featuring legends like Ella Fitzgerald and Duke Ellington. Finally, take in a fierce, late-night jam session at the Mutual Musicians Foundation for the perfect nightcap

There are so much other non-music related activities to do while you’re here, why not visit the National WW1 museum have fun with the kids at Legoland Discovery Center or see the majestic landmark Union Station which can provide a full day of fun for all the family.

Allow your shopping bags to overflowing as much as the city’s fountains. Boutique shops in Westport, brand name favourites at Legends Outlets and antique treasures in the West Bottoms are just a few of the city’s shopping hotspots.

When it comes to great food, Kansas City has made its mark. It’s a scene that embodies the city’s many cultural influences, from the indigenous flavour and home-style cooking to fusion foods and beyond. But you cannot leave town without having a KC barbecue – there are over 100 barbecue restaurants to choose from.

Did you know?

Walt Disney opened his first animation company, Laugh-O-Gram Studio, in Kansas City, where he fed a small rodent that became the inspiration for Mickey Mouse.
Hallmark, the largest greeting card maker in the world, began in KC in 1910 when Joyce C. Hall started selling postcards out of two shoeboxes at the local YMCA.
KC “ignored” Prohibition during the 1920s, leading to an abundance of jazz clubs, brothels and gambling halls, earning KC the moniker “The Paris of the Plains.”
Publisher Andrews McMeel Universal, known for popular comics such as “The Far Side” and “Calvin and Hobbes,” has been headquartered in KC since its founding in 1975.

and more facts...

Each March, KC hosts more college basketball games than anywhere in the country.
Modeled after Seville, Spain, the Country Club Plaza opened in 1922 as the nation’s first outdoor shopping district.
Local advertising agency Bernstein-Rein conceived the McDonald’sHappy Mealafter the owner noticed his son staring at the cereal box during breakfast.
M&M’s candy coating was invented at KC’s Stowers Institute. Other KC inventions include the fire pole, the Bomb Pop, the bumper sticker, Rival crockpot and Wishbone salad dressing.
The Kansas City Royals are named after another area institution: The American Royal, a weeks-long horse and livestock show dating back to 1899 and featuring barbecue contests, rodeos and a full-fledged festival.
At least four different U.S. presidents have dined at the original Arthur Bryant’s Barbeque. Harry S. Truman was considered a regular because he frequented so often.

Overland Park

Overland Park is a unique blend of metropolitan amenities and suburban hospitality packaged in a fresh, contemporary setting. Located less than 15 minutes from downtown Kansas City,it offers an abundance of attractions including over 250 restaurants, great shopping, theaters and more than 80 public parks.

A Prairiefire is burning bright in Overland Park! One of the Midwest’s most dynamic shopping and entertainment districts, this open-air district is anchored by the Museum at Prairiefire – the heartland outpost of the American Museum of Natural History.

The 300-acre Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens, open year-round, features a natural setting with walking trails, waterfalls, colorful flowers and a variety of gardens including a children’s discovery garden, Monet garden and a legacy garden.

At Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead, visitors enjoy a turn-of-the-century farm including animals, birds of prey, vegetable and flower gardens, a one-room country schoolhouse, fishing pond, horse-drawn wagon and pony rides, an Indian Encampment, dairy barn, a butterfly garden and a Prairie Playground.

Shopping is abundant in Overland Park with everything from upscale boutiques to discount retailers. Oak Park Mall is the largest indoor-shopping mall in the region with over 185 stores and specialty shops. Historic Downtown Overland Park is home to quaint eateries, antique stores, art galleries and a variety of other locally-owned shops.

Hotels In Kansas City & Overland Park

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Superior Deluxe	Among the finest the world has to offer, hotels in this category are exclusive, lavish and indulgent. Needless to say, you will enjoy the highest service levels, superb accommodation and outstanding facilities and public areas.
Deluxe	This will be an outstanding hotel, offering many of the features of Superior Deluxe, though on a scale which will be a little less grand.
Moderate Deluxe	This will be a Deluxe standard property, although some of the accommodation and public areas may offer a less pronounced degree of luxury. In other instances, the hotel may be a famous name with a well-established reputation.
Superior First Class	More often than not, this will be a superior modern hotel or an older property which is exceptionally well maintained. All offer very comfortable and well-furnished accommodation and public areas.
First Class	A dependable and comfortable hotel with standardised rooms. These are the ideal choice for travellers who don not require deluxe facilities or special services.
Moderate First Class	Essentially a First Class hotel with comfortable but sometimes simple accommodations. Public areas may be limited but generally provides all the essentials a guest requires.
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Kansas City & Overland Park

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Overland Park

Hotels In Kansas City & Overland Park

Sheraton Overland Park Hotel

Raphael Hotel, Autograph Collection, Kansas City

21C Museum Hotel, Kansas City

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