DAY TRIP story by Connye Griffin | photography by Al Griffin
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Best American city
ighest on list of 100 of U. S. News and World Report, Best American Cities is Kansas City, about 3.5 hours’ drive from Lake of the Ozarks. Kansas City offers family-friendly and romantic vacations as well as historic and outdoor opportunities, too.
Romance: Vows, Beauty, and Candleglow.
The classic Old Red Bridge near the north entrance of Minor Park carries walkers over the Blue River and gives them a fine view of Fall’s colors. Painted red since first constructed in 1859, the bridge wears Valentine colors year-round and has become a place to celebrate love. Visitors place a lock on the bridge signifying their commitment to one special person, family, and even pets. After locking in love at the Old Red bridge, couples can stroll beautiful gardens in autumn’s colors at the Overland Park Arboretum. The Starlight outdoor theater is another romantic option, and in September and October, performances include music, comedians, and the Broadway show, Escape to Margaritaville. Romantic fine dining choices in the Kansas City metro are endless. They include luncheons at the Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art and the Nelson-Atkins after a handin-hand walk through the galleries as well as dinners at restaurants with romantic ambiance. Late in October and continuing through December 31, the Nelson Atkins will be home to the Van Gogh Alive exhibit, a rare, interactive experience for the Dutch artist’s works. Couples may prefer food, wine, or brew tasting tours in historic places such as the Stockyards district of West Bottoms. There Amigoni Urban Winery has restored the Daily Drover Telegram newspaper building to elegance. Family-friendly Destinations: Action, Challenges, and Wows.
12 VACATION NEWS
Fall brings pumpkin patches to life. One is the KC Pumpkin Patch in Olathe. The Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead adds pumpkin picking to its farm-themed playground featuring pony rides, feeding baby goats, and fishing. The KC Royals and KC Chiefs are on their home fields this season. Those games are perfect choices for families who love sports. Thrills of another kind are available at Worlds of Fun or the Candy Wizard, on the River Market’s shops. Parents will find STEM lessons at Union Station. Inside is Science City, an interactive educational playground. Another educational opportunity at the station is a planetarium where families can explore earth’s sky. It is also a streetcar stop for those who want to take advantage of special dates when Kansas City streetcar stops include special art exhibits and musical performances. More Kansas City family-fun centers are Legoland and Sea Life in Crown Center. History buffs will like the World War I Museum and Memorial across from Union Station and the Arabia Steamboat Museum at City Market. For mini-golf fans, NelsonAtkins Museum is home to an art-themed course. More STEM learning is in the Red Bridge neighborhood where young children will love the interactive Regnier Family Wonderscope Children’s Museum. Return trips to Kansas City may be required to see it all. October 15-November 4, 2021
