It's no wonder why Kansas City is ranked number one on Huffington Post's "America's Top Five Cities to Keep on Your Radar." Here's a few reasons why the masses have fallen in love with this mid-west city.
1. The culture is unreal.
From First Fridays at the Crossroads, where you can see fabulous artists display their artwork for free, to the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, which was recently ranked as one of the top museums in the country, Kansas City has got it going on. There is also the Kauffman Performing Arts Center, Starlight Theater, Union Station, the Plaza Art Fair, the Brookside Art Fair, the Midland Theater, the Kansas City Art Institute, the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, 18th & Vine Jazz District, 39th Street District, and Crown Center (just to name a few).
2. The bar scene is pretty hip.
Nowhere else can bar after bar be found like in the Power and Light District. Westport is also great with Beer Kitchen, Ale House, and Char Bar, where you can play games on the lawn while chowing down on delicious barbecue. Plus, there are pub crawls galore. Like, seriously, every other weekend there's a bar crawl. But hey, it's all in the name of charity right?
3. It's all about the local vibes.
Local shops can be found around every corner, and they're so great! I love how awesome Kansas City is when it comes to supporting their local stores. Some of my favorites include Hammerpress, Heirloom, Tylerkingston, and Bunker.
4. Barbecue
Kansas City and barbecue are synonymous with each other. Only in KC can you have the best barbecue you've ever eaten... out of a gas station. If you make burnt ends, Kansas Citians will come and wait for hours around the corner. Joe's Kansas City, Jack Stack, Arthur Bryant's, and Gates are all glorious.
5. The Plaza is a staple part of the city.
Even though half the stores are not affordable as a college student, the architecture is simply amazing! Modeled after a Spanish town, just walking around for hours and window shopping at Christmas time is worth bearing the cold. In addition, check out those fountains, because after all, we are the city of foundation.
6. We are the champions!
I was never really into sports until I moved to KC. During the World Series, it was like an energy vortex full of excitement. Being a STL Cardinals fan, I must say, I now root for the Royals. Royals fans are like none other because they never lost their faith. Not to mention those Chiefs.
7. The City Market is one of my favorite places to be on weekend mornings.
Their cheap, fresh bouquets, homemade goods, and flea markets can't be beat. Plus, the extremely cheap produce is a college student's dream.
8. The people are what make this city.
Kansas City is home to people that have an unlimited willingness to help their fellow neighbors. Nowhere else in the mid-west can this be found.
9. It's a place for social justice.
I have met so many people who truly care about making our world a better place. Whether it's from personal friends who participate in programs like Leftovers with Love, or simply just spending time at the local community garden, there is a spirit for wanting to help our fellow man, and that is amazing.
10. Kansas City is a hidden gem.
With all of its free things to do, history, and art, this city (despite its often misinterpreted "Kansas" title) is wonderfully rich with a culture, nightlife, and spirit that give it a good reputation in the Midwest. Because when it comes down to it, the Midwest is best!
