Costumers Head to Kansas City

“The New Midwest. It wasn’t a thing until we made it. Because That’s How We Do Kansas City.”

That pronouncement from the Kansas City Visitors Bureau is really an invitation to explore all that Kansas City has to offer. Anyone heading to the National Costumers Association’s 2019 Conference in July will have myriad options to explore during any free time they might have. After all, National Geographic named Kansas City one of the “Best Trips in 2019!” As the KC Visitor’s Bureau says, “There’s something happening here. A new energy. A revolution of creativity, music, food, art, business—a renewed spirit in every neighborhood. A bigger idea of what the Midwest can be.”

The Crowne Plaza Kansas City Downtown is the site for this year’s NCA Conference. Located at 1301 Wyandotte Street, this full-service hotel is conveniently located in the heart of

downtown Kansas City—a location that puts attendees near the Power & Light District, Crossroads Art District and the River Market Neighborhood. There’s also a fitness center and outdoor pool on site—in case exercise is part of your trip plans.

The KC Streetcar will transport you, free of charge, on the 2.2-mile route along Main Street that connects the River Market to Union Station/Crown Center. There are 16 stops along the way…so you can jump on and off, depending on your destination.

Want to know a bit about all of the great areas spread throughout Kansas City? Here are just a few to check out while you’re there:

Country Club Plaza. Kansas City is known as The City of Fountains. And you’ll find fountains, plus interesting statues and shopping, in this 15-block, Spanish-inspired neighborhood that has been called the “Rodeo Drive of the Midwest.”

Kansas City Power & Light District. It’s in the heart of downtown…and this neighborhood doesn’t miss a beat with its 8 blocks full of bars, restaurants and shops, including The Garment District, a fashion collective with eight stores in one, complete with a full-service bar in the center. Crossroads Arts District. Known as “the neighborhood that arts built,” this area features art galleries and restaurants in what used to be vacant warehouses throughout the neighborhood.

18th & Vine. Like jazz, barbecue, baseball and blues? This is the neighborhood where you’ll find all those things and more!

Westport. You’ll discover a touch of history courtesy of the neighborhood’s historic buildings, old-style lampposts and tree-lined boulevards…but there are plenty of modern amenities, including venues featuring live music, craft beer and more, too!

West 39th Street. More than just an incredibly walkable strip of real estate between KU Med and Westport, West 39th Street is a funky collage of culture and cuisine—and one of the most colorful neighborhoods in the city.

River Market. Nosh on international cuisine and browse stalls stocked with fresh produce in this 150-year-old riverfront neighborhood that’s been dubbed “a mecca for lovers of history, local produce and fresh eats.”

Westside. A historically diverse neighborhood with Latino and Mexican-American influences, Westside features unique spots like Westside Storey, a small shop stocked with an eclectic mix of antiques plus items made by local artists.

Kansas City is known for its barbeque—so much so that there’s even an app to help you find the best of the best! Just download the app at KC BBQ Experience to get started!

Kansas City straddles the Missouri-Kansas state line, sometimes causing travelers to wonder which state they are in. Here are a few tips to help: If you are west of State Line Road, you are in Kansas. If you are east of it, you are in Missouri. Follow the Missouri River to the north, and if you are west of it, you are in Kansas. East of it, you’re in Missouri. —Source: visitkc.com

Want more information about what you’ll find during your “spare time” at conference? You can find details about all of the neighborhoods, museums, restaurants and more at visitkc.com.