Exploring Kansas City, KS: Shopping & Eating

Kansas City has a lot to offer: NASCAR racing, a casino, outlet shopping, barbeque, and so much more! After visiting you’ll understand why this city has grown exponentially since 2010!

Several years ago, shortly after T and I were married, we took the boys to the Kansas Speedway for a NASCAR race.  I remember the raceway being surrounded by grass fields, couple hotels, a gas station, and not much more.  Now, this area of town is a booming entertainment center with something to do for everyone!

Legends Outlets

At first glance, one might think the outlet was named after the racing legends that have completed NASCAR races across the street, but what you will really find out is that the legends is home to all the amazing people who have come from Kansas City and the state!  Strolling down the open pillion you’ll not only enjoy the sculptures, fountains, and murals, but also the wide variety of stores.  Of course, the smells coming from the restaurants will lure you to stop, enjoy patio seating, and people watch.

While you’re there make sure to stop by the KC Soda Company and grab 1 or 2 bottles of some fun flavored sodas  I, of course, brought home a 6-pack for R & M to try!  You can select any soda and have it chilled in seconds or poured over vanilla ice cream for a delicious float.

Hollywood Casino & Turn 2 Restaurant

Seated on Turn 2 of the Kansas Speedway, you’ll find the Hollywood Casino.  Once upon entering you’ll notice the high end finishes that automatically makes you feel like you’ve been transported far from the plains of Kansas.  Take in some of the amazing light fixtures, wonder through the Open Flame restaurant to see the memorabilia of Hollywood stars including the dress and ruby slippers from Judy Garland in the Wizard of Oz.

Head to the second floor to Turn 2.  Ask for a table on the patio and enjoy the sun going down over the raceway.  The appetizer platter is a great way to start your meal with the crispy (but not greasy) wings, creamy spinach & artichoke dip, and piping hot potato skins!  While they are your typical appetizer foods, they are done well and quite delicious!

You’ll find a little bit of everything on the menu!  When I visited, I settled on the Catfish Po Boy and it was delicious!  Be aware the the spicy sauce that comes on it (I’d ask for it on the side), but the fish is fried to perfection (and not greasy) and served on a fresh roll with lots of veggies!  Plus, I love that Turn 2 offers fries, chips, and other typical sides but they also offer fresh fruit!  It was delicious and a great balance to the fried foods!

Arthur Bryant Barbeque

Of course, you can’t visit Kansas City without having some barbecue.  When it’s time for this experience, head to Arthur Bryant’s!  The atmosphere is perfect for families, casual, and you feel like you’re having a backyard BBQ.  There is a wide selection of meats from brisket, pulled pork, sausage, ribs, and more!  I highly recommend the ribs.  They are fall of the bone perfect with a great balance of smoke and barbecue, slightly seasoned, and absolutely delicious.

While we tried a large selection of sides, my favorites were the onion rings (you can’t go wrong) and the potato salad (it actually had celery in it)!  Ask for extra napkins and enjoy your taste of true, authentic Kansas City barbecue.

Italian Delight

I loved visiting the pizza places when I was in New York City in college and haven’t found much that comes close since then, but I can stop looking now!  Italian Delight in Kansas City is it!  We were lucky enough to have manager, Renee, come talk to us after our delicious meal.  He explained to us that his father and uncle had immigrated from Italy to Brooklyn.  Then, they visited Kansas City for the World Series and found there were no true Italian Restaurants and decided to relocate their families.  Two restaurants later, Renee’s father is retired, Renee manages, but his dad keeps a close eye on things!

Upon arriving at Italian Delight, select from a variation of salads, pasta plates, sandwiches, pastry’s, and pizza!  Once ordered and paid for, they will deliver your choices to your table!  Each table gets fresh bread as well!  I selected the cucumber tomato salad and chicken parmesan.  The chicken parm was delicious, but the tomato cucumber salad was AMAZING!  I highly recommend that and a cannoli, of course!

Conclusion

Whether you’re headed to Kansas City to take in some racing, gambling, shopping, or food, you’re bound to have a great time!  Stop by Italian Delight or grab barbecue from Arthur Bryant’s for authentic KC BBQ! Read more about my adventures in Kansas City, KS:

Tuck in at the Homewood Suites in Kansas City, KS

Exploring Kansas City: Kansas History

Thanks to Kansas City, KS Convention & Visitors Bureau for hosting me during my visit to KCK.  All thoughts and opinions are 100% authentic & my own.  For more details, please see the Disclosure Tab.