Welcome to KCK Insiders Blog!

With no real ethnic majority (about 30% white, 30% Hispanic, 30% African-American and 10% of various growing ethnicities) Kansas City, KS owns up to its reputation of being a true melting pot of a destination. From our roots, Kansas CIty, KS has welcomed diverse cultures and ethnic groups who settled here. As you explore the city you’ll find each neighborhood unveils a new story of the people who have come to call it home.

Let’s be honest, we all love to experience those memories that make us look back and think, “I was so in the moment I forgot to take any photos!” There’s also something satisfying (maybe some of us are more willing to admit it than others) about snapping the perfect fall photo, complete with warm tones, leaves, pumpkins and maybe even a glass of red wine. So if you are in search for that one seasonal backdrop, here’s a few spots in Kansas City KS that will seamlessly flow with your fall

When you think of Kansas City, KS what comes to mind? A seemingly endless sea of grassland? Back to back farms? Dorothy and her little dog? How about a world championship soccer team? Local restaurants that create deliciously modern cuisine in the Midwest? Boutiques featuring the trendiest fashions? Works of art inspired by people who greatly contributed to American history? How about a destination that incorporates all of the above and more? That destination is the Legends Outlets Kansas City. 

Before you know it the air will turn crisp and the fall will be in full swing – complete with busy schedules and little time to relax. Don't say so long to summer just yet. Here are five reasons to pack up your car and take one more quick trip to Kansas City, KS.

Dorothy returns to Kansas
The Wizard of Oz is a treasured tale to people all over the world, and this August you can catch one of the most unique adaptations to date in Bonner Springs, KS! Catch Dorothy, Toto and all of their friends at

I have a confession to make - I grew up a Missouri girl. I lived in Kansas City, MO and went to school in Kansas City, MO and didn't have many reasons to cross the border. My entire life seemed to be in my Missouri bubble and I had no idea what I was missing on the Kansas side of town! My grandpa had grown up in Wyandotte County, and he can still name what block everyone lived on and where all the churches were. He is a history buff, so I grew up hearing about Lewis and Clark and John Brown and all of the other influential men and women who made an impact on KCK. I could sit and listen to his stories for hours! It was until I moved back to Kansas City after college that I started exploring all of the neighborhoods he had been telling me about. So of course, I was thrilled when Visit Kansas City Kansas asked me to be their "off the beaten path" blogger this year! I love any excuse to spend more time in the city my family came from. 

Nothing is better than summer. The days are longer, the sun is shining, and life moves a bit slower. But don't let me forget to mention the best part: baseball. 

Who doesn’t love an evening out with their girlfriends? And if that involves shopping, then that makes it even better. If boutiques are more your jam, then let me take you on a boutique crawl. Yes, you heard that right. Just a few miles from the hustle and bustle of the Village West area there is the truly unique shopping experience that can be found in downtown Bonner Springs.

Memorial Day Weekend marks the official summer kick-off, and this weekend is filled to the top of the sand bucket with events to start your season in the sun off right! 

Warmer temps and sunny days have finally made their way to Kansas City, KS and cabin fever can finally be cured for all. Now it’s time to escape and do just about anything you can as long as it’s not indoors. With a hot, hot summer ahead you’re going to want to take advantage of these sunshine and seventies days. Whether you’re looking to gather with family, chow down on local specialties or share a glass of fine wine with friends, the outdoor dining scene in Kansas City, KS is one you won’t want to pass up. 

Although the recent cold, and honestly confusing weather might suggest otherwise, we are almost a month into spring time in Kansas City, KS. That means that some of the city’s very best annual events are just around the corner. I can finally come out of hibernation with my antsy 3-year-old and take her around town to experience some of our favorite (and super affordable!) spring time family fun activities. Here are just a few of the things we are looking forward to over the next few weekends that I consider can’t-miss for any parents who may also be looking for cheap thrills.