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 Kansas City, Mo. – The rising cost of travel has deterred vacationers from exotic vacations this summer. But don’t cancel getaway plans just yet—come to Kansas City. This centrally-located metropolis offers world-class attractions, museums and events that leave travelers feeling like they’ve journeyed across the world, while saving some serious dough. For the second straight year, Kansas City made Hotwire.com’s list of the top 10 affordable vacation destinations in America thanks to the city’s mix of value and entertainment options. Take a trip this summer to Kansas City and discover the visitor hotspots that offer global appeal.
Instead of Spain, visit the Country Club Plaza
Many first time visitors to Kansas City do a double-take when they stroll past replicas of two Spanish landmarks, the Giralda Tower and the Seville Light, that overlook the 14-block, upscale shopping and entertainment district. Down the street is a mural of a matador set in ceramic tile and handcrafted in Seville, Spain, specifically for the Plaza. The European art, colorful architecture of the detailed domes and towers and romantic atmosphere of the Country Club Plaza immerse travelers in the heart of Spain without leaving the Midwest. www.countryclubplaza.com
Instead of New York art museums, visit The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art
Already known as one of America's most comprehensive general art museums, The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art opened the Bloch Building last year to accolades that gave the museum international attention. Time magazine even called the building its "top architectural marvel of 2007." Upon entering the museum complex, visitors find more than 34,500 items spanning 5,000 years of humanity, from ceramic objects found in ancient Chinese tombs to whimsical sculptures of giant badminton birdies on its lawn. Best of all, admission to the Nelson is free. www.nelson-atkins.org
Instead of the museums and monuments on the National Mall, visit the National WWI Museum at Liberty Memorial
This is the National WWI Museum. And yes, it’s in the Midwest. Opened in 2006 underneath the existing Liberty Memorial, this amazing tribute to World War I allows visitors to experience the Great War through the eyes of those who lived it. The 30,000 square-foot museum has amassed more than 49,000 artifacts from WWI including weaponry, uniforms and memorabilia to become the leading facility of its kind in the nation and the second-largest collection of WWI artifacts in the world behind Britain’s Imperial War Museum. A highlight of the vast memorial is the visually striking tower, standing 217 feet tall and boasting two giant sphinx-like figures as guards. The tower’s observation deck provides some of the city’s best views of nearby Union Station, Crown Center and the skyline. www.nww1.org
Instead of Orlando, visit Worlds of Fun
Thrill seekers get ready. Worlds of Fun is one of the largest amusement parks in the Midwest, offering more than 175 acres of wild rides. With six world-class roller coasters, including the Patriot—the longest and tallest inverted roller coaster in the region, and Peanut’s Playhouse—a massive interactive attraction for children, kids of all ages enjoy the rush of Worlds of Fun. Packages and special offers are available all summer long, making this already affordable theme park a home run for those traveling on a budget. www.worldsoffun.com
Instead of a Broadway show in the Big Apple, visit Starlight
Watch Broadway‘s best under a blanket of stars this summer at one of the nation’s three remaining self-producing outdoor theaters. Starlight Theatre brings Broadway entertainment and national concerts to Kansas City all summer long. The remaining 2008 season lineup: The Music Man, July 28-August 3; Fiddler on the Roof, August 11-17; and Les Misérables, September 10-16. www.kcstarlight.com
Instead of a beer in Germany or Belgium, try a Boulevard in KC
Craving a good specialty beer but don’t want to hop the pond to get it? Then belly up to almost any bar in Kansas City and ask for a Boulevard. The toughest choice is going to be which to order—the company offers five beers year-round, four seasonal beers and the new Smokestack Series, a limited-edition line of artisanal selections inspired by Belgian Trappist beer. Boulevard Brewing Company has been brewing beer since 1989, and has grown to become the Midwest’s largest specialty brewer. If visitors want a more intimate experience, they can take a free tour of the brewery, which ends, of course, with a tasting. www.boulevard.com
Instead of going to Dublin, come to Kansas City Irish Fest
Hallmark Card’s Crown Center resembles Ireland each Labor Day as Kansas City Irish Fest takes over. KC Irish Fest celebrates Celtic pride in Kansas City by bringing the soul of Ireland to the heart of America. Running August 29-31, the festival features a giant children's area and a remarkable line-up of dancers, artisans, story tellers and more than two dozen musicians on five stages. KC Irish Fest was voted by visitors as KC’s best festival and is the largest festival in the city, attracting more than 85,000 people in 2007. Hotel packages start at $99 a night and include two tickets to the festival. www.kcirishfest.com
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Photo Credit: Photos Courtesy of the Kansas City Convention
& Visitors Association
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Boulevard Brewing Co.
Caption: Established in 1989, Boulevard has grown to be among the largest and most respected specialty brewers in the Midwest.
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Country Club Plaza
Caption: The Moorish architecture of the 14-square-block Country Club Plaza is modeled after Seville, Spain.
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Kansas City Irish Fest
Caption: Voted Kansas City's Favorite Festival, Irish Fest occurs every Labor Day weekend at Crown Center Square.
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National WWI Museum at Liberty Memorial, interior
Caption: The National World War I Museum at Liberty Memorial is the only museum in the country dedicated to the Great War.
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National WWI Museum at Liberty Memorial, wide exterior
Caption: The Liberty Memorial opened in 1926 and is home to the new National World War I Museum. This image is not available for download.
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Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, Bloch Building
Caption: The new Bloch Building at The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art opened on June 9, 2007.
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Starlight Theatre
Caption: Starlight Theatre is the largest outdoor amphitheater of its kind in the nation.
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Worlds of Fun, Camp Snoopy
Caption: Camp Snoopy at Worlds of Fun offers kids the chance to meet Peanuts characters.
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Worlds of Fun, The Patriot
Caption: One six world-class coasters at Worlds of Fun, The Patriot is the longest and tallest inverted roller coaster in the region.
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