Kansas City Food, Fun & Travel — A Midwest Guide 🌆

In my opinion, Kansas City is Missouri’s most youth-friendly city! Every Missourian I’ve met says they’d choose KC if they were to move. I saw a noticeable Chinese community here, a lively downtown full of young people, modern architecture, trendy restaurants, and new apartment buildings — all signs of how much this city attracts the younger generation. We often visit KC because it’s close to our rural town, and it’s home to what I believe is Missouri’s cleanest and most complete Asian supermarket — Pan-Asia Market. I highly recommend the one in Overland Park (which is technically already in Kansas — right near the border!). Since KC straddles two states, most attractions are in Missouri, while the best Chinese food is in Kansas. It’s fun crossing state lines multiple times in a day! Here are our must-visit spots every time: 1️⃣ The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art 🖼️ 📍 4525 Oak St, Kansas City, MO 64111 No dedicated parking — look for street parking nearby. The vast lawn in front is incredibly well-maintained (not a weed in sight, even in winter!). A true paradise for dogs 🐕. 2️⃣ Slap's BBQ 🍖 📍 553 Central Ave, Kansas City, KS 66101 So delicious! The best BBQ I’ve ever had — perfectly suited to my taste! Dog-friendly: in summer, sit on the second-floor balcony; in winter, indoors (they allow patio seating too, but confirm in advance). 3️⃣ Christopher Elbow Chocolates 🍫 📍 1819 McGee St, Kansas City, MO 64108 Unexpectedly amazing (and pricey) chocolates! Also serve rich hot chocolate. Highly recommended! 4️⃣ Penn Valley Park 🏞️ A large park with a dog park and memorials. Great for walking dogs — plenty of space and grass (not perfectly clean, but still very decent!). ⚠️ Restrooms are closed in winter. Like most public restrooms in Missouri (except service areas), they have no heating and shut down in cold months — challenging for dog owners! #KansasCity #Missouri #MidwestUSA #TravelWithDog #DogDiary