Cheeseburger in Paradise
May 16, 2012
Written by: Kerry Green
On a recent Saturday afternoon I enjoyed time with my family at one of my favorite places: Cheeseburger in Paradise at the Legends Outlets Kansas City. Just entering the front door makes me smile. I can hear Jimmy Buffet belting out his famous song and I can have one of the best burgers, in my opinion, in Kansas City. What could be better than a little “cheeseburger with lettuce and tomato” and a cold beverage on a hot day? When my family comes to town, this is a must stop we make while spending the day shopping or just out and about.
I know that I can always find something good to eat. The sweet potato chips are amazing and the fried pickles; well what could be wrong with that!
Next time you need a break, a fun way to spend some time, or just want to feel like you are at a beach, stop in. You will always feel welcome and the atmosphere will just make you happy.
“Cheeseburger in paradise; Heaven on earth with an onion slice
Not too particular not too precise; I’m just a cheeseburger in paradise
Cheeseburger in paradise; Medium rare with mustard ‘be nice
Heaven on earth with an onion slice; I’m just a cheeseburger in paradise
I like mine with lettuce and tomato; Heinz 57 and french fried potatoes
Big kosher pickle and a cold draft beer; Well good god almighty which way do I steer for my: Cheeseburger in paradise; Makin’ the best of every virtue and vice
Worth every damn bit of sacrifice; To get a cheeseburger in paradise
To be a cheeseburger in paradise
I’m just a cheeseburger in paradise
-Kerry Green
Kerry Green is the Meeting, Group and Event Manager of the Kansas City Kansas Convention & Visitors Bureau, Inc.
Oklahoma Joe’s BBQ Restaurant
May 10, 2012
Written by: Guest Blogger
If you are looking for one of the best barbecue restaurants in the city, state, and even region look no further than Oklahoma Joe’s also known as Okie Joe’s (as the locals refer to it). The experience is one of a kind, first off I noticed the building in which the restaurant is located. It is in an old Shamrock Gas Station at 47th and Mission in Kansas City, Kansas.
We got there around 11 AM and were greeted with a very intimidating line. However the service was great and the line moved very quickly. I noticed something very interesting throughout the restaurant which I had been told about (Z-MAN). The Z-Man sandwich consists 
of: Brisket, smoked provolone and is topped with two onion rings on a kaiser bun. This sandwich is so popular that he has made multiple magazines, newspaper articles and now there is even a Z-Man tee shirt that the true Z-Man lovers are able to purchase.
If you are in the area and looking for a great place to eat, as well some souvenirs to take back with you look no further the Okie Joe’s. They also sell their own BBQ sauces as well as some of the areas other popular sauces.
There is also the opportunity to see someone famous, Okie Joe’s has gained such great respect in its industry that many of Kansas City’s professional athletes and local celebrities as well as other celebrities that might be in town visiting Kansas City, have been spotted there.
-Justin Donley
Justin Donley is a member of the Business Development team at Sporting Kansas City.
Sporting Kansas City
April 26, 2012
Written by: Guest Blogger
Ladies and Gentleman, soccer is here to stay in Kansas City. Let me help you lift the rock you’ve been under if you have not heard of Sporting KC. To get you back in the loop, Sporting KC is a Major League Soccer (MLS) team that calls Livestrong Sporting Park in KCK home. They are a team and ownership group that has set the bar for stadium and fan experience not only in the Nation, but the world. They are a team that has managed to deliver consistent world class soccer in a town, and nation, which is still being introduced to the world’s game. There is a reason everyone has been talking about Sporting KC, and until you experience a game first hand, you’ll never know what you’re missing.
In the past, to experience a futbol (soccer) match firsthand in Europe, allowed me to see how passionate the rest of the world is about this game. You see that passion in Mexico and Africa, and you see that passion in our city every four years during the FIFA World Cup. That same passion is at every home game for your Sporting KC team. Don’t believe me? Sit in the Members Club and prove me wrong. In my opinion, it is that passion that has allowed Sporting KC to surpass the Kansas City Royals in 2012 as what professional team Kansas City wants to support. Don’t believe me? Go to both games and prove me wrong.
Now, it was my job to entertain my sister and brother-in-law this past weekend as they visited from NYC. These two have Central Park, Broadway shows, and Yankees games at their finger tip for entertainment. When they got married, they decided New York wasn’t going to cut it, so they got hitched in Paris. Needless to say, the pressure was on to entertain these two in Kansas City. My sister deserves the best, so the best is what she received – Livestrong Sporting Park. We experience the entire park, witness a win, and even celebrated with the Cauldron after the game. They were so impressed with the entire experience that they are bringing their friends back to KC when we play the NY Red Bulls in August. (Hear it from me, if it impressed my sister, it will impress anyone.) Conclusion, Jimmy Lopez is the best host anyone can ask for, and Sporting KC has built something that everyone will enjoy.
Sure you can watch the news, hear it from a friend, or travel to Europe. However, you have a chance to witness a world class sporting experience firsthand right down the road! My wife and I look towards the day when our 1 year old son understands how lucky he is to have Livestrong Sporting Park at his finger tip. I believe once you experience the park, you will see that same passion I speak of. I believe Sporting KC is here to stay, and as always, “I believe we will win”.
-Jimmy Lopez
Jimmy is the Events Coordinator at Cabela’s Kansas City and currently serves as Board Chair of the Kansas City Kansas Convention & Visitors Bureau Inc.
Free & Affordable Fun
April 12, 2012
Written by: Maila Yang
It’s hard to believe that summer is almost here and that means vacation planning is in full swing unless you are already ahead of the game – which I’m not. Kansas City, Kansas is definitely an affordable drive-to destination for families on a budget and with so many free and inexpensive attractions, it just makes sense. Being a resident, my family has done a 
lot of hometown exploring. Below are some of our frugal favorites. Hopefully these ideas might help stretch your vacation dollars a little bit more this summer.
Every June through July, Legends 14 Theatre features free summer movies along with special combo snack prices geared towards families. Throughout the year they also offer bargain days 
on Monday through Thursdays. My kids and I have taken advantage of both. Just a quick tip, arrive early for the free summer movies, depending on the movie, seats fill up quick. Another favorite is free bowling at KC Bowl. Kids can bowl up to two free games every day, all summer long. Make sure you register your kids online for free bowling at kcbowl.com. Be prepared to lose some change in the arcade if you have boys. If you have little ones then you’ll want to take advantage of the free spray parks. There are three spray parks in the Wyandotte County area. The spray parks are brightly colored with multiple interactive water domes, sprouts, wheels and buckets. The zero depth play area is safe and suitable for kids of all ages and abilities. To see a full listing of spray parks go to wycokck.org/parks.
You can find additional family fun and free attractions in the 2012 Kansas City Kansas Visitor Guide.
- Maila Yang
Maila is the Marketing & Communications Manager for the Kansas City Kansas Convention & Visitors Bureau, Inc.
Legends Outlets Kansas City & Dinner at Yard House
March 27, 2012
Written by: Liz Holmes
“Hi. My name is Liz, and I am a shop-a-holic.” There, I said it.
Believe it or not my fiancé, Jeff, is somewhat okay with it as long as we go shopping at the Legends Outlets Kansas City, located in the Village West area at I-70 and 435. I love showing him how much I save when I shop there (like I’m some sort of saving genius), but really it’s just the great prices the outlets have to offer. I don’t think he really minds going there with me. We always start off by visiting the Visitor Information to receive our free book full of numerous coupons. Then I usually lose him (or he loses me) but know I can find him in either the Under Armor or Nike outlet stores. Jeff teaches elementary PE and is a high school football coach so he tells me all of his purchases in these stores are for work and lounging so he’s the one ‘really saving money’… lucky man.
The best part of our shopping adventure is dinner. We always end up at The Yard House where we sit down at the bar to get waited on by the best bartender in town – Corie! She knows her stuff when it comes to the dozens of unique beers they have on tap. The food there is divine, unique and tasty drinks, and a service that is absolutely amazing.
We enjoy Corie so much that last time we were there we invited her to our wedding, not to work it but as a guest. She kindly accepted.
So next time you want to go shopping, make your significant other go with you by telling him you’ll buy dinner at the Yard House. Ask for Corie and tell her Liz sent you!
- Liz Holmes
Liz Holmes is the Visitor Services Coordinator for the Kansas City Kansas Convention & Visitors Bureau, Inc.