Thanksgiving Chill Diary ❄️ | Days 1-2 in Kansas City

Visited Kansas City over Thanksgiving to see my mom’s close friend (who’s been incredibly kind to me). It was the perfect chance to explore a new city, experience some countryside vibes, and enjoy a calm break before finals season took over! 📚✨ 🦃 Day 1: Arrival & Exploration Landed at MCI Airport on Wednesday noon. First stop: Jack Stack BBQ – a KC classic! 🍖 The portions were HUGE! The "Pick Three" combo (we chose pork ribs, lamb ribs, and beef burnt ends) could easily feed three. The meats were good but not mind-blowing—my favorite was actually the creamed corn! 😋 My mom’s friend loved their fresh salad pairing. Afternoon at Union Station & Crown Center: KC was once a major railroad hub, and the grand station still reflects that history. Now it’s filled with shops, exhibits (like a Christmas-themed display 🎄), and family activities. Crown Center is a shopping/office complex with food courts, retail, and kids running everywhere! Nearby Hallmark Headquarters Museum was a sweet stop. All connected via indoor walkways—perfect for cold or rainy days! 🏃 Day 2: Running, Feasting & Festive Lights Started the day with an 18k run along Indian Creek Trail. 🏞️ A runner’s dream! Gentle hills, scenic views, lush greenery. So captivating I didn’t feel tired—though the cold was brutal! ❄️ Frozen shoes, numb cheeks, and numb fingers from checking my phone for directions 🥶 Morning stroll near the KC Convention Center. Thanksgiving Feast: My first time seeing a real smoker and grill in action! Watched the turkey turn from pale white to golden brown in the smoker. The grill was lit with gasoline—wild! 🔥 We grilled veggie skewers, salmon, and lamb. Charcoal grilling beats stovetop any day—better flavor and that perfect sear! Evening: Country Club Plaza Lighting Ceremony 💡 The whole street was packed! Live music, acrobatics, and a crowd countdown at 7 PM. Suddenly, the entire district lit up with dazzling lights—so majestic! Music pumping, crowds cheering—even livelier than downtown Chicago last year! 🎉 #ThanksgivingTravel #KansasCity #BBQAdventures #WinterRunning #FestiveLights #USATravel #LifeInTheUSA