No one convention schedule is the same, and often there are times in which meeting attendees will have a free hour or afternoon to explore the destination. Visitors will find a wide variety of time-friendly experiences in Kansas City, from morning treks to the farmers market to art gallery exploration.
Here are some of the best ways to spend time off between meetings in KC:
One-Two Hours
Not every conference agenda permits a full morning to sleep in or a relaxing afternoon to yourself. Sometimes an hour or two is all you have—and thankfully Kansas City has plenty for you to do and see.
Hungry? Grab a bite at one of the city’s best lunch spots, including hotspots like The Rockhill Grille. If you’re in need of caffeination instead, Kansas City’s noteworthy coffee scene will keep you energized and ready to face whatever comes next. Plus, most cafes double as impromptu workspaces, perfect for getting caught up on emails with free Wi-Fi. Or, for evening breaks, check out the cocktail culture and toast to a hard day of work.
Do a little sightseeing while aboard the KC Streetcar, a free rail system that connects some of the city’s most iconic districts on a 2.2-mile route, including River Market, Crown Center, the Power & Light District and the Crossroads Arts District.
Visitors who find themselves at the Country Club Plaza can search the Spanish-inspired architecture for some of Kansas City’s most famous fountains—an excellent way to stretch your legs, shop for souvenirs and experience quintessential KC.
Morning
Your options expand exponentially with larger breaks. Take some time in the morning to grab a coffee and treat yourself to breakfast at Succotash (eclectic atmosphere meets classic morning fare) or Ruby Jean’s Juicery (healthy smoothies and juices).
Designer and name-brand to locally made and craft-produced, Kansas City’s shopping scene offers something for everyone—and fills up a morning fast. On the weekends, tour fresh spices and produce at The City Market, home to the region’s largest farmers market.
Visit the renowned Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art—open at 10 a.m. every Wednesday through Sunday—for more than 5,000 years of history and creative expression, including paintings, sculptures, a mummy and countless other pieces.
Another stellar option is the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, a one-of-a-kind experience located in the 18th & Vine Historic Jazz District.
Afternoon
With warmer weather in season, gather with colleagues or clients for networking and patio time with drinks in-hand and stellar views in-sight at hotspots such as arcade bar Up-Down and trendy spirits stop The Monarch Cocktail Bar & Lounge.
Kansas City has earned a reputation as a haven for museum lovers, thanks in part to a large swath of national museums that cover everything from World War I to miniature toys—and can’t be found anywhere else in the country.
To truly get a feel for Kansas City, explore some of the city’s best-kept secrets, many both literally and figuratively underground.
Evening/After-Hours
Sample the city’s signature sound at jazz clubs around the metro, including The Blue Room and Green Lady Lounge, or a late-night session at the Mutual Musicians Foundation.
Dinner options are never in short supply in KC, whether you’re taking clients out to celebrate a special occasion, grabbing a bite on the go or in search of a more intimate, private dining experience.
If a full day awaits, get a head start on work with late-night establishments that perfectly intermingle business with food, drink and entertainment.
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