In early October, we booted it south in one looooong drive from Winnipeg to KC to spend a couple days in Kansas City. We went specifically to catch a Thursday night NFL game between The Kansas City Chiefs and their rival The Denver Broncos.
All we knew going into KC was that we were going to a game. What we soon discovered was how friendly the city was, how easy it was to move around in, and how delightful a couple of days spent there could be.
Out and about in KC
We stayed in the heart of downtown right near their entertainment area. A good mix of old and new and really quite easy to move around in.
As we were only staying a couple days, I was mostly vested in getting to some stores that are not in Canada. Target, Trader Joe’s and Ulta were all in one spot in an area called Leawood. Our journey there took us down one of the prettiest drives called Ward Parkway. After going to town in the big box stores, we headed to Country Club Plaza, a lovely shopping district to meander through.
After the shopping, we walked around downtown with coffees in-hand.
Meats and music
One thing about the mid-west is certain: you know you’re going to eat well. The first night we arrived we bee-tailed it to Gates Bar-B-Q, an iconic black-owned restaurant of insanely good BBQ since the 1940s. I mean, if you’re coming to KC, you gotta eat BBQ, right? Sweet, sticky BBQ. Yummmmmm.
Ordering at Gates is a bit intense. As soon as you step foot inside you are greeted with their catchphrase, “HI, MAY I HELP YOU?” And then it’s a mad dash to figure out exactly what you want from the menus on the wall. It’s a tough call though because it all looks and smells so good. I went with a beef brisket sammie and Chuck grabbed a rack. Both were excellent. And the service was top-notch.
The next night we tried 801 Chophouse for a good ol’ steak dinner. It was exceptional. The place was only a five minute walk from our hotel and it was buzzing. Gotta love a busy restaurant.
After becoming completely stuffed with steak, we walked it off on our way to the Green Lady Lounge to end our night listening to an assortment of jazz music in their multiple rooms. It’s a small establishment with an amazing vibe. You can be there to listen, or find a booth further back and just chill and nosh with friends. We meandered around from room to room enjoying the music and drinks and an eclectic group of patrons. Not a bad turnout for a random Wednesday night.
Go Chiefs!!
Our last day in KC had us going as early as possible to Arrowhead Stadium to enjoy the tailgating before the Chiefs game. The stadium is a retro beauty and the people who patronize it couldn’t be more welcoming. We had a total blast from the minute we arrived to the minute we left.
We interacted with so many characters while watching a super fun game. It was a complete 180 from our experience at a Pats game a few years ago, which saw us stuck in traffic for hours and dealing with the most miserable, angry fans I’ve ever experienced at a game. I was a bit gun-shy to go to another NFL game after that experience, but Arrowhead restored my faith in NFL fans.
After the game, my voice was hoarse, my ears were ringing, my hands were sore from all the high-fives and my face hurt from smiling like a fool. Arrowhead is an exceptional place to take in a football game.
The retro stadium, the team, and its fans know how to rock. Best NFL experience. By far! And also… Travis & Taylor!
Thanks for the hospitality, KC. Your friendly city made us huge fans.
