Kansas City is More than Just Barbecue

retail therapy? Kansas City has the cure. Discover one-of-a-kind gifts as you browse the unique boutiques in the town of Weston, Missouri. Shop the distinctive stores of the Tuscan-themed Village at Briarcliff. Enjoy the nation’s first outdoor suburban shopping mall, Country Club Plaza.

Day 3: The Pursuit of Jesse James

Breakfast and check out of your hotel before chasing an American outlaw. Jesse James has drawn worldwide fascination for being known as America’s Robin Hood and a cold-blooded killer. James was born, raised and killed in Northwest Missouri. Your group can explore the legacy of this notorious outlaw at many sites throughout the area.

First stop is the 1859 Jail, Marshal’s Home & Museum (Independence) – This is the jail where Frank James resided while standing trial. He turned himself in for protection due to his fear of assassination after his brother’s death. jchs.org/1859-jail

Jesse James Bank Museum (Liberty) – The site of the country’s first daylight bank robbery during peacetime, committed by the James gang. visitclaymo.com/business/jesse-james-bank-

museum

Jesse James Farm & Museum (Kearney) – The home where Jesse was born and his brother, Frank, died. The farm holds the world’s largest collection of James family memorabilia. jessejames.org

Jesse James Home (St. Joseph) – Visit the home where Jesse was shot and killed. ponyexpressjessejames.com

Jesse James Bank Museum

Beyond Barbecue

Kansas City is a food-lover’s paradise

By Jason Paha

Invariably, when one thinks about Kansas City’s culinary offerings, barbecue most often comes to mind. With good reason.

The city features more than 100 barbecue restaurants in its metro area and has billed itself the “Barbecue Capital of the World.” Still, there’s more to this burgeoning Missouri city than delicious smoked meats. Chef-owned eateries, lively food halls, classic delis and hearty steakhouses dot a city that has earned a reputation as one of the best places to dine in the country.

Here are just a few of Kansas City’s finest eating establishments visitors can enjoy (including a few top-notch barbecue restaurants for good measure).

Bluestem

Bluestem has received numerous local and national accolades including being named a James Beard Foundation semifinalist for Outstanding Restaurant between 2015-18. The restaurant features progressive American cuisine focusing on seasonal products, a changing menu and local ingredients. Guests may order fixed price meals of three, five or seven courses, with past offerings including dishes like rabbit cappelletti, a moist ribeye and dark chocolate mousse.

The Rieger

Located on the ground floor of the historic Rieger Hotel (opened in 1915), The Rieger features classic dishes like steak and oyster tartare, brick quail and smoked trout and also serves hand-crafted cocktails. The Rieger offers groups the option to dine in a private room.

Town Topic Hamburgers

Since 1937, the iconic Town Topic diner has been serving hamburgers to hungry patrons from across the country. Today, guests can still visit the establishment’s historic counter that has seated customers for generations and enjoy an oldfashioned hamburger, homemade chili and a slice of pie.

Barbecue

Few, if any cities, can match Kansas City’s barbecue scene. With so many exceptional establishments to choose from, it’s difficult to select just one … or three … or five spots to visit. That said, here are a few pit stops worth making: LC’s Bar-B-Q is an old-school spot that serves traditional barbecue and sides in a no-frills dining room. Perhaps the two most legendary institutions are Gates Bar-B-Q and Arthur Bryant’s Barbeque – both trace their roots directly to the godfather of barbecue, Henry Perry.

Take Your Tour

Over the Top

Missouri’s most iconic attraction has reached new heights.

Renovations to the Gateway Arch – including an updated museum, new parks and trails, and more – have transformed the Arch into a completely diff erent experience. But that’s just part of what’s exciting and new in the Show-Me State. Let us show you what else makes Missouri a top stop for your group tours.