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Top 5 outdoor spots
1) Longview Lake Park
This park, which gets over a million visitors a year, has something for everyone. Opened in 1986, the park has a 930-acre lake, fishing ponds, nature and bike trails, and even a radio controlled model airplane field.
Interstate 470, Raytown Road exit
www.jacksongov.org/content/1169/1211/1431/default.aspx
2) Blue Springs Lake
Blue Springs Lake is perfect for the water enthusiast. The lake has one acre of beach area and 720 acres of total lake area. Water sports are a good fit for Blue Springs Lake.
1500 NE Bowlin Road, Lee’s Summit www.jacksongov.org/content/1169/1207/1395/default.aspx
3) Snow Creek
Snow Creek is great for the winter sports lover. For beginners, lessons are offered, but the more experienced can go out and hit the slopes. Snow Creek can make up to 12 inches of snow in 24 hours when the temperature is 20 degrees or below.
U.S. 45 in Weston, 816-640-2200 skisnowcreek.com
4) Smithville Lake
Smithville Lake is another great location for the water lover. Horseback riding, biking trails and golf are among the options offered.
nwk.usace.army.mil/smithville/smithville_home.htm
5) Watkins Mill State Park
Watkins Mill State Park, established in 1964, has 1,467 acres. Activities include hiking, biking, camping and horseback riding.
26600 Park Road North, Lawson, 816-580-3387 mostateparks.com/wwmill
Top 5 spots for culture/arts/music:
1) Nelson/Atkins Museum of Art
The Nelson/Atkins Museum of Art holds a collection of more than 34,000 pieces of art, with collections from across the world including Africa and Japan. Though the museum has many collections, traveling exhibitions may also be on display.
Tuesday to Thursday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Friday 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday noon to 5 p.m., closed Monday; Free admission
4525 Oak Street, Kansas City, MO 64111, 816-751-1ART www.nelson-atkins.org
2) Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art
The Kemper Museum, which opened in 1994, focuses on art ranging from 1913 to the present. The work includes a collection of outdoor sculptures, and the museum also has many traveling exhibits.
Tuesday to Thursday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Friday to Saturday 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., closed Monday; Free admission
4420 Warwick Blvd., Kansas City, 816-753-5784 kemperart.org
3) Kaleidoscope
Kaleidoscope is an interactive art laboratory. Kids ages 5 to 12 get the chance to use their imagination. Reservations are required. Special sessions for the whole family are also available.
Call for session times and availability.
Crown Center, 816-274-8300 hallmarkkaleidoscope.com
4) American Jazz Museum
Kansas City is known for jazz. The stories of some of the most prominent jazz artists, a 500-seat auditorium for live performances and an interactive exhibit where visitors can play with music are featured here.
Tuesday to Saturday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sunday noon to 6 p.m., closed Monday; Adults: $6, Kids under 12: $2.50
1616 E. 18th St., 816-474-8463 americanjazzmuseum.com
5) The Kansas City Ballet
Its 25 members perform multiple shows throughout the year including The Nutcracker. In addition to performances, the ballet also offers a school for those who want to learn for both recreational and professional reasons.
1616 Broadway, 816-931-2232 kcballet.org
OR
5) 18th and Vine District
Known by some as the birthplace of jazz, there is no better place in Kansas City for Jazz than the 18th and Vine District. The American Jazz Museum is located here, as well as the Gem Theater Cultural and Performing Arts Center, which seats 500, and the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum.
Top 5 for food/wine:
1) Gates Bar-B-Q
Kansas City is known for barbecue, and Gates is one of the best-known. Started in 1946, the business grew because of the sauce, and there are now six locations in the Kansas City area. gatesbbq.com
2) Crayola Café
The Crayola Café is an interactive dining experience. The placemats serve as a drawing board for kids, and the café offers menus for kids and adults.
2450 Grand Blvd., 816-398-4820 www.hyattkc.com/crayola/index.html
3) Boozefish Wine Bar
A European bistro and wine bar located northwest of Country Club Plaza, the venue offers an extensive wine menu and live music every Tuesday night.
1511 Westport Road, 816-561-5995 boozefish.com
4) Majestic Steakhouse
Listen to live jazz seven nights a week to go along with your meal. Also, the restaurant offer more than 700 wines.
931 Broadway Blvd., 816-471-8484 majesticsteakhouse.com
5) Minsky’s Pizza
Known for its gourmet pizza, Minsky’s has 12 locations in Missouri and Kansas. Each location has a unique menu. Check them out on its Web site.
(913) 339-6999 minskys.com
Top 5 places to shop in the Kansas City area
1) The Country Club Plaza
The Metro Area Express offers fast and convenient transportation to this 15-block district with a strong Spanish architectural influence, complete with more than 150 shops, including chain stores such as Gap and specialty boutiques like Hudson & Jane. There is a great variety of shoe and specialty food stores located in the area.
310 Ward Pkwy., Kansas City, 816-561-3456 countryclubplaza.com
2) Brookside
This trendy metropolitan area just south of the Plaza is full of unique, independently-owned shops and restaurants, such as Cellar & Loft which provides international food and wines and also Fiddly Fig Gifts & Flowers which provides beautiful flower arrangements and fun gifts.
63rd St. and Brookside Blvd, Kansas City; 816-523-5553
3) Zona Rosa
Located in north Kansas City, this area provides shoppers with unique architecture, a variety of chain stores and plenty of green space. Stores include Build-A-Bear Workshop, Ann Taylor LOFT, Hollister Co., Bath & Body Works, Express, The Children’s Place and Forever 21.
8640 N. Dixson Ave., Kansas City,; 816-587-8180
4) Crossroads Kansas City.
An historical neighborhood near downtown Kansas City, located near 20th and Main streets. This urban-inspired, artistic area offers a unique stores that offer flowers; candles; home furnishings; and fashion including shoes, lingerie and clothes. Several art galleries are also located in its renovated warehouses and industrial buildings.
E. 18th St. and Grand Blvd., Kansas City
5) Oak Park Mall, Overland Park, Kan.
Located southwest of Kansas City, this indoor mall offers great anchor stores such as Nordstrom and Dillard’s. It also offers more than 185 specialty and boutique shops and a variety of family-friendly events throughout the year.
11519 W. 95th St., Overland Park, Kan.; 913-888-4400
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