Visitors' Guide

To help our out-of-town guests make the most of their time in Kansas City, we've compiled a visitors' guide of interesting locations. For more suggestions, please visit the official Kansas City Visitors Guide.

Lodging

The Aladdin Hotel

We've arranged a special rate at the Holiday Inn Aladdin for our guests during our wedding weekend. The beautifully restored Art Deco hotel in downtown Kansas City features a hip design and vintage style as well as upscale amenities.

Special Rate:$109
Availability:
  • June 19, 2009
  • June 20, 2009

The Aladdin is conveniently located eight quick blocks from the reception site and a couple blocks from the Power and Light district.

When booking your lodging at the Aladdin, please mention that you would like the group rate for the wedding of Lindsay Dowell to ensure that you take advantage of the reserved block of rooms. If you would like to extend your stay, please let us know so that we can try to negotiate the discounted rate for your entire stay!

To book your room, call 1-800-957-4654 placing your reservation with the Holiday Inn Kansas City Downtown - Aladdin. To contact the front desk, the number is 1-816-421-8888.

Places of Interest

Union Station

This fully restored 1914 landmark is Kansas City's most prominent destination for entertainment and cultural activities. The Station is home to a permanent rail exhibit with vintage rail cars, an interactive science center, a vibrant Theater District featuring giant-screen movies and live theater, fine restaurants, unique shops, spaces for meetings and events and much more. Of course, you can still catch the train at Union Station, once again among Amtrak's busiest stops.

Direction from the Aladdin to Union Station.

Liberty Memorial and World War One Museum

A community-based fund-raising drive in 1919 raised over $2,500,000 in less than two weeks through public subscription in Kansas City and around the nation. This staggering accomplishment reflected the passion of public opinion about the Great War, which so recently ended. The site for the Liberty Memorial was dedicated on November 1, 1921. The main Allied military leaders spoke to a crowd of close to 200,000 people. It was the only time in history that these leaders were together at one place. After three years of construction, the completed Liberty Memorial (except for the north frieze wall opened on November 11, 1926--eight years after the end of the War). President Calvin Coolidge delivered the dedication speech, in which he spoke of how "the magnitude of this memorial, and the broad base of popular support on which it rests, can scarcely fail to excite national wonder and admiration."

On December 2, 2006, the expanded National World War I Museum opened the window to an extraordinary emotional and intellectual experience. Envisioned by the people of Kansas City, designed by Ralph Appelbaum Associates, and designated by Congress as the nation' official World War I Museum, the new state-of-the-art complex uses an incredible collection and highly-interactive technology to bring this global history to life, and to foster timely discussions of ethics, values, decision making and conflict resolution.

This is one of Lindsay and Travis's favorite KC attractions.

Directions from the Aladdin to the National World War I Museum at Liberty Memorial.

Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art

The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art is internationally recognized for its outstanding collection of more than 33,500 objects. From ancient times to modern day, this encyclopedic museum is one of the best in the country, offering visitors the opportunity to explore civilization through the eyes of painters, sculptors, craftsmen, and many other artists.

For shopping, the Museum Store carries an impressive selection of art books and original gifts. Rozzelle Court Restaurant is your rejuvenation spot; enjoy delicious food and relaxation in one of Kansas City's most beautiful settings.

Directions from the Aladdin to the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art

Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art

Located in Kansas City, Missouri, the Kemper Museum boasts a growing permanent collection of modern and contemporary art and presents 10-12 special exhibitions each year. The group and solo artist exhibitions feature established and emerging artists from the United States and around the world.

Gunnar Birkerts designed the Kemper Museum's signature building. A large atrium, central to the Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art, culminates in an articulated skylight 22 feet high. Extended from either side of the atrium are two wings. Overall, the Kemper Museum measures more than 23,200 gross square feet. The main gallery, measuring 5,697 square feet, features selections from the permanent collection and is used for changing exhibitions. Smaller galleries feature rotating exhibitions, and a meeting room offers works on paper and other glazed works from the permanent collection. Works of art are always on view in the atrium and the corridors of each wing.

Directions from the Aladdin to the Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art

City Market

Since its inception in 1857, the City Market has been one of the largest and most enduring public farmers' markets in the midwest, linking growers and small businesses to the Kansas City community. In addition, more than 30 full-time merchants are open year-round and offer specialty foods, fresh meats and seafood, restaurants and cafes, floral, home accessories and much more.

Directions from the Aladdin to City Market

Steamboat Arabia

Hear the legendary tale of the loss and discovery of the Steamboat Arabia and it's 200 tons of cargo. This amazing story has been featured on Good Morning America, CNN, National Geographic Traveler, Smithsonian, Antiques Road Show, and many other news and entertainment organizations. Visits include a guided tour of the Arabia's amazing collection, a short film presentation in the Paddlewheel Theater about the life and rediscovery of the Steamboat Arabia, a preservation lab to demonstrate how the many tons of artifacts are cleaned and prepared, and display of hte Arabia's engines and boilers on the 171 foot-long replicated deck of the Arabia.

Directions from the Aladdin to the Steamboat Arabia Museum

Hallmark Visitor's Center

Travel through our story -- from our humble beginnings in 1910 with our founder "Mr. J.C." Hall to the creation of our world-famous Hallmark greeting cards and Hallmark Keepsake Ornaments to the acclaimed Hallmark Hall of Fame television series. It's all here!

Interactive displays and fascinating exhibits make your tour fun for the entire family. Click here to see a video about the Visitors Center.

Directions from the Aladdin to the Hallmark Visitor's Center

18th and Vine Historic District

American Jazz Museum and the Blue Room

Located in the Historic 18th & Vine Jazz District, the American Jazz Museum showcases the sights and sounds of a uniquely American art form through interactive exhibits and films, the Changing Gallery, the Blue Room jazz club and the Gem Theater, a 500-seat performing arts center. Thousands of students, scholars, musicians and fans come here annually to learn about the legends, honor their legacy, or enjoy the best music America has to offer through dozens of education and community-based programs, traveling exhibits, over 200 live musical performances and other special events.

Negro Leagues Baseball Museum

Founded in 1990, the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum (NLBM) is a privately funded, non-profit organization dedicated to preserving the rich history of African-American Baseball. Experience a tour of multi-media displays, museum store, hundreds of photographs, and artifacts dating from the late 1800s through the 1960s. The NLBM opened it's permanent 10,000 square foot facility in 1997 sharing the new 18th and Vine museum complex with the American Jazz Museum.

Directions from the Aladdin to the 18th and Vine Historical Jazz District

Boulevard Brewing Company

Founded in 1989, Boulevard Brewing Company has grown to become the largest specialty brewer in the Midwest. Our mission is simple: to produce fresh, flavorful beers using the finest traditional ingredients and the best of both old and new brewing techniques. We offer six beers year-round: Pale Ale, Unfiltered Wheat Beer, Lunar Ale, Single-Wide I.P.A., Bully! Porter, and Dry Stout. Watch for our seasonal beers: Irish Ale in early spring, Maibock in the late spring, ZON in summer, Bob's '47 in the fall, and our winter holiday treat, Nutcracker Ale. The Smokestack Series, our line of artisanal beers available since 2007, includes both permanent selections and limited edition brews.

Boulevard Brewing Company offers tours every Wednesday at 3 p.m., Thursday at 3 p.m., Friday at 1 p.m and 3 p.m., Saturday at 10 a.m., 12 p.m., 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. and Sunday at 1 p.m and 3 p.m. Brewery tours are free, however reservations are required. You can make a reservation by calling 816-474-7095 or online. The tours fill up quickly, so call early! The tour includes the history of the Boulevard Brewing Company, a video detailing how beer is made, a walking tour of Boulevard's plant, and sampling of the different beers that Boulevard makes.

Directions from the Aladdin to the Boulevard Brewing Company

Attractions

Worlds of Fun and Oceans of Fun

Worlds of Fun and Oceans of Fun offer a complete package of more than 100 thrill rides, water slides, live entertainment, and experiences for all levels of thrill seekers. The twisted PATRIOT®, towering MAMBA®, and ground-hugging PROWLER® roller coasters highlight a collection of seven world-class roller coasters at Worlds of Fun, and Camp Snoopy is packed full of kid friendly fun. Thrill seekers become thrill soakers at Oceans of Fun with an assortment of drenching water attractions, and little squirts are not forgotten with play areas and activity pools for those not ready for the big kid slides.

Directions from the Aladdin to the Worlds of Fun and Oceans of Fun

Kansas City Royals

Royals Baseball...It's all about FUN! Come experience Major League action at Kauffman Stadium, home of the Kansas City Royals! "The K" opened April 10, 1973, and is recognized throughout baseball as one of the game's most beautiful ballparks. Kauffman Stadium's unique features include a 12-story high scoreboard and a 322-foot wide water spectacular. Tours are conducted year-round and can be scheduled by calling (816) 504-4222.

In addition to beautiful ballpark scenery, there's special events and promotions planned all summer long including Fireworks after every Friday night home game and Fan Fun Runs on Sundays (when all fans can run the bases following the game). Tickets start at just $7 each and can be purchased at Kauffman Stadium, by calling 1800-6ROYALS, visiting kcroyals.com or an KC area Hy-Vee Food Store.

Directions from the Aladdin to Kauffman Stadium

Kansas City Zoo

The Kansas City Zoo is located in Swope Park at 6800 Zoo Drive. With more than 202 acres nestled inside valleys and rolling hills, the zoo hosts more than 1,000 animals. The Zoo is divided into several sections: Australia, Tiger Trail, KidZone that includes the Discovery Barn, Peek-A-Boo Tree and an Endangered Species Carousel and a 100 acre-Africa Plains.

The Kansas City Zoo is one of sixty Zoos honored in "America's Best Zoos 2008," and was ranked number one in the nation for "African Animals and Exhibits," and ranked in top 10 in the nation for "Australian Animals and Exhibits" and for "Pachyderms: Elephants, Rhinos, Hippos," In addition, famed ape expert Jane Goodall complimented that Kansas City has "one of the finest chimpanzee exhibits in North America." In fact, "America's Best Zoos 2008" ranks the Kansas City Zoo as the number one zoo in the nation to see both chimpanzees and kangaroos.

Directions from the Aladdin to the Kansas City Zoo

Dining Recommendations

La Bodega

La Bodega, KC's first authentic Spanish tapas bar, serves up one fantastic happy hour. From 2 to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, the restaurant offers half-price tapas and drink specials, including sangria by the pitcher or glass, wines by the glass, cervezas and premium well drinks. La Bodega also serves outside on its lovely sidewalk. Inside and out, the music is surprisingly good; one recent evening, we heard a mix that included Devo, Pet Shop Boys, Bowie, the Clash and the Cure.

Directions from the Aladdin to La Bodega

Oklahoma Joe's

Located inside a gas station and convenience store, Oklahoma Joe's has developed a devout following. The winner of numerous barbecue competitions (including three grand championships at the annual American Royal contest), Oklahoma Joe's serves meaty ribs and smoked chicken with a rich flavor.

Directions from the Aladdin to the original in-a-gas-station Oklahoma Joe's

Gate's Barbecue

With locations throughout the city on both sides of the state line, Gates has become a Kansas City tradition. Servers behind the counter welcome diners with shouts of, "Hi! May I help you?" Then they take orders for some of the best ribs and meatiest beans in town, along with smoky, flavorful chicken and monster beef, ham and turkey sandwiches. And it passes the true test of a local barbecue joint: The lines at Gates are particularly long before Chiefs home games.

Directions from the Aladdin to Gate's Barbecue on Main Street

Power and Light

The Power and Light district has many dining options across the entire price range.

The Plaza

If you're out shopping at the Plaza, consider one of the great dining options there.

Shopping

Events on June 19 and 20

Casinos