Discovering the Heartland: A Holiday Escape to Kansas and Missouri

Embark on a journey with us as we explore the heartland of America, spending memorable holidays in Kansas and Missouri. From culinary delights to unique attractions, discover the hidden gems and cherished traditions of this captivating region.

Aerial view of the Rockies during the flight to Kansas and Missouri — A breathtaking view of the Rockies from above, setting the stage for our heartland adventure.

A bird's-eye view of Kansas landscape during our holiday travels — Soaring over Kansas, witnessing the vast landscapes that define the Midwest.

For years, the distinction between Kansas City, Kansas, and Kansas City, Missouri, remained a perplexing mystery to me. The close proximity of these two cities, with Kansas City, Kansas, essentially functioning as a suburb of its Missouri counterpart, only added to the confusion. But as I began exploring this remarkable area, I started to understand the beauty of this heartland gem.

My connection to this region deepened when I married my husband, a Kansas City native. Although his family relocated to Switzerland during his childhood, Kansas remained a significant part of his heritage. Now, alongside our cherished vacations in Switzerland, we’ve had the pleasure of experiencing the unique charm and warmth of Kansas during several holidays.

Downtown Kansas City skyline, showcasing the city's architectural beauty — The impressive skyline of Kansas City, a testament to the region’s growth and vibrancy.

This past Thanksgiving, we celebrated in Kansas, surrounded by family and immersed in the warmth of the Midwest. The week was filled with laughter, delicious food, and unforgettable moments. As someone who hasn’t yet extensively documented my travels in this region, I felt compelled to share a glimpse of our incredible journey with you.

Holidays in the Heartland: Discovering the Charm of Kansas and Missouri

Our adventures in Kansas have spanned several holidays, each blessed with surprisingly pleasant weather. The climate has consistently defied expectations, adding an extra layer of enjoyment to our stays.

Walking along Country Club Plaza in Kansas City during a sunny day — Strolling through the enchanting Country Club Plaza, basking in the warm sunshine and vibrant atmosphere.

Although our first day was met with blustery winds and a slight chill, the weather quickly transformed into a delightful mix of sunshine and mild temperatures. This allowed us to fully embrace the outdoors, exploring the local attractions and soaking in the region’s natural beauty.

One of our favorite activities was wandering through Country Club Plaza, an upscale shopping district in Kansas City, Missouri. The weather was perfect for some Black Friday shopping, and the vibrant atmosphere made the experience even more enjoyable.

Holiday lights and decorations at Country Club Plaza in Kansas City — The dazzling holiday lights illuminating Country Club Plaza, creating a magical and festive ambiance.

Located near the state border, Country Club Plaza boasts an impressive array of stores, boutiques, cafes, restaurants, and bars. It’s a premier destination for shopping, dining, and entertainment, attracting visitors from far and wide. With numerous hotels located on or near the Plaza, it’s an ideal base for exploring Kansas City.

The Thanksgiving Feast: A Fried Turkey Delight

A perfectly fried turkey, the centerpiece of our Thanksgiving celebration in Kansas — A golden-brown fried turkey, the star of our Thanksgiving feast, cooked to perfection in the warm Kansas sunshine.

Thanksgiving Day arrived with sunny skies and a balmy temperature of 70 degrees, creating an idyllic setting for our holiday celebration. The weather was so perfect, in fact, that we spent the day outdoors, enjoying the simple pleasures of life.

The kids played soccer in the yard, laughter filled the air, and the aroma of Thanksgiving dinner permeated the neighborhood. It was a scene straight out of a Norman Rockwell painting, a true testament to the power of family and tradition.

Close-up of a freshly fried turkey, showcasing its crispy skin and juicy meat — A tantalizing close-up of our fried turkey, highlighting its crispy skin and succulent, juicy meat.

My brother-in-law’s fried turkey was the undisputed highlight of our Thanksgiving dinner. His culinary expertise transformed the traditional Thanksgiving centerpiece into a delectable masterpiece, and it was truly a treat for everyone.

A beautifully set Thanksgiving dinner table in Kansas — A beautifully set Thanksgiving dinner table, laden with traditional dishes and surrounded by loved ones.

Midwest Culinary Adventures: A Taste of the Heartland

While we enjoyed many home-cooked meals at my brother-in-law’s house, we also ventured out to experience the local culinary scene. From classic diners to upscale restaurants, Kansas and Missouri offer a diverse range of dining options.

Exterior view of a Waffle House in Kansas — A classic American diner, the Waffle House, a beloved institution in the South and Midwest.

Living in the Pacific Northwest, we are far removed from the iconic Waffle House chain, a staple in the South and Midwest. With over 2,100 locations, the Waffle House is a true American institution. I was determined to experience this culinary landmark, so I convinced the family to join me for breakfast one day.

Unfortunately, the Waffle House in Shawnee, Kansas, was packed, so we had to move on to another spot. But at least we can say we made it inside, experiencing the bustling atmosphere and tantalizing aromas of this beloved diner!

First Watch: A Brunch Delight in Shawnee

Instead of Waffle House, we found ourselves at First Watch in Shawnee, Kansas, a popular breakfast and brunch spot. This unexpected detour turned out to be a delightful culinary experience.

Delicious Pork Belly & Grits at First Watch in Shawnee, Kansas — A mouthwatering plate of Pork Belly & Grits at First Watch, a culinary masterpiece that tantalized the taste buds.

I was surprised to learn that First Watch is a national chain, with numerous locations throughout the United States, including eight in Kansas and Missouri. Despite its widespread presence, First Watch remains absent from the West Coast, making it a unique culinary experience for us.

The First Watch in Shawnee, Kansas, is a spacious and inviting restaurant, reminiscent of a trendy brunch spot in Portland. The menu focuses on fresh, seasonal ingredients, and the daily specials are always a treat. The food was exceptional, and I wholeheartedly recommend dining here. I’ll be sharing a more detailed restaurant review of First Watch soon, so stay tuned!

Andrés: A Taste of Switzerland in the Heartland

Selection of exquisite chocolate truffles at Andres in Kansas City — An exquisite array of chocolate truffles at Andrés, a testament to the chocolatier’s artistry and passion.

Andrés is a charming Swiss restaurant and chocolate shop, owned by a delightful family who have been longtime friends of my husband’s family. With two locations in Overland Park, Kansas, and Kansas City, Missouri, Andrés offers a taste of Swiss culture and culinary artistry in the heartland.

We enjoyed a delightful lunch at Andrés the day after Thanksgiving, savoring the authentic Swiss cuisine and indulging in the exquisite chocolates. I’ll be sharing a more in-depth feature on this adorable Swiss chocolate shop and tearoom soon, so be sure to check back for more details!

Austins Bar & Grill: Kansas City BBQ at Last!

Despite my three previous trips to Kansas, I had never truly experienced authentic Kansas City BBQ. A last-minute attempt to sample some ribs at the airport before our departure a few years ago proved underwhelming. This time, I was determined to rectify that situation and savor the true taste of KC BBQ.

Before our trip, I sought recommendations on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. I even reached out to the visitor’s bureau, but never received a response. So, on our first day in Kansas, when we took my nephews out for lunch, I decided to take matters into my own hands: it was time for some BBQ!

Delicious ribs and fries at Austin's in Kansas City — A plate of tender ribs and crispy fries at Austin’s, a true Kansas City BBQ experience.

We chose Austins Bar & Grill, which has three locations in Kansas and Missouri. While I was tempted by the Alaskan Salmon sandwich, I knew that would be a culinary betrayal on this BBQ-seeking mission. I could have salmon anytime in the Pacific Northwest. So, I stuck to my guns and ordered a half rack of baby back ribs.

They were delicious! While I wouldn’t declare them the absolute best I’ve ever had, the meat was tender, the BBQ sauce had a pleasant tang, and my stomach was happy and full. If you have recommendations for BBQ spots I should try next time we visit KC, please let me know in the comments below!

Local Kansas City beer at Austin's Bar & Grill — A refreshing local Kansas City beer at Austin’s, complementing the delicious BBQ and adding to the heartland experience.

Kansas City (both Kansas and Missouri) also has a thriving craft beer scene. My husband sampled a few local beers during our visit, enjoying one from KC Bier. Over the years, we’ve also enjoyed beers from Boulevard Brewing, one of KC’s largest and most renowned brewers.

Oregon Wines in the Midwest: An Unexpected Delight

Selection of Oregon wines available in Kansas — A delightful discovery: a selection of exquisite Oregon wines available in the heart of Kansas.

One of the most surprising discoveries of our trip was a liquor store that carried a wide selection of excellent Pacific Northwest wines. It was a pleasant surprise to find familiar brands like Evolution Wines, Raptor Ridge Winery, and Soter Vineyards/Planet Oregon Wines in the heartland.

Exterior of Prairie Liquors in Olathe, Kansas — Prairie Liquors in Olathe, Kansas, a hidden gem for wine lovers seeking Pacific Northwest treasures.

If you’re ever in the area and craving some exceptional Oregon and Washington wines, be sure to visit Prairie Liquors in Olathe, Kansas. Their impressive selection was so enticing that we stopped by twice during Thanksgiving week!

TopGolf: A Modern Twist on the Driving Range

Enjoying a round of TopGolf in Overland Park, Kansas — A fun-filled afternoon at TopGolf, enjoying the sunshine and friendly competition.

On our last full day in Kansas, blessed with another gorgeous, sunny day, we decided to visit TopGolf in Overland Park, Kansas. This unique entertainment venue offers a modern twist on the traditional driving range.

If you haven’t experienced TopGolf yet, it’s essentially a jumbo-sized, high-tech driving range. The Overland Park location boasts three levels, with food and beverage service at each golf station, in addition to on-site restaurants. For $25 per hour, TopGolf offers a fun and accessible experience for golfers of all skill levels. You don’t need to be a pro or know much about golf: simply pick a club, hit the ball forward, high five your friends, and enjoy the experience.

Travel in Style: Exploring Kansas in a Toyota Sienna

Given our five-day stay in Kansas, we needed reliable transportation to get around. The wonderful people at DriveShop provided us with a 2017 Toyota Sienna minivan to test drive during our travels, and I must say, the Toyota Sienna proved to be the ideal vehicle for our holiday adventures!

Test driving the Toyota Sienna in Kansas City — Exploring Kansas City in style and comfort with the spacious and versatile Toyota Sienna.

The Toyota Sienna comfortably accommodates seven passengers, with ample space for luggage, groceries, and all those holiday shopping hauls. It’s a vehicle designed with families in mind, offering both comfort and practicality.

Rear view of the Toyota Sienna, highlighting its spacious cargo area — The spacious rear cargo area of the Toyota Sienna, perfect for hauling luggage, groceries, and holiday gifts.

With its sleek exterior and well-appointed interior, the Toyota Sienna starts at around $30,000. However, with added features and options, most families will likely spend between $35,000 and $40,000 to equip the Sienna with the most family-friendly amenities.

Front seats of the Toyota Sienna, showcasing its comfortable and modern design — The comfortable and well-designed front seats of the Toyota Sienna, offering a relaxing and enjoyable driving experience.

The Limited Edition Sienna boasts all the safety features of the other models, as well as All Wheel Drive, premium leather trim, multi-stage heated seats (and a heated steering wheel, which I LOVE!), and more. It’s a vehicle that prioritizes both safety and comfort, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable ride for everyone.

Spacious interior of the Toyota Sienna, providing ample room for passengers and cargo — The spacious interior of the Toyota Sienna, offering ample room for passengers and cargo.

Entertainment screen in the Toyota Sienna, keeping passengers entertained on long drives — The entertainment screen in the Toyota Sienna, keeping passengers entertained on long drives.

The entertainment system screen is uniquely designed, featuring a narrow and wide format that, I suspect, enhances the driver’s rearview vision. It’s a thoughtful design element that prioritizes safety without compromising on entertainment.

Toyota Sienna parked in front of Country Club Plaza in Kansas City — The Toyota Sienna parked in front of Country Club Plaza, a perfect blend of style and practicality.

The Sienna drives smoothly and handles the road beautifully. With 296 horsepower and a 3.5-Liter V6 engine, this minivan boasts impressive acceleration and speed. It’s a vehicle that’s both powerful and refined, offering a confident and enjoyable driving experience.

I’ve never considered myself a “minivan mom,” but I must admit: I truly enjoyed driving the Toyota Sienna around Kansas. If you’re on the fence about minivans, I highly recommend taking the Sienna for a test drive and experiencing its versatility and comfort for yourself!

Coming Home: Reflections on the Heartland

My family and I thoroughly enjoyed our holiday in the heartland. We cherished the time spent with family and relished the opportunity to explore the Midwest. Compared to the West and East Coasts, the Midwest offers a sense of openness and vastness. The freeways seem wider, and the roads stretch endlessly into the horizon, inviting exploration and adventure.

Collage of our Holidays in the Heartland in Kansas and Missouri — A collage of cherished memories from our Holidays in the Heartland, capturing the essence of our Kansas and Missouri adventures.

Have you ever visited Kansas City (either Kansas or Missouri)? If so, what spots would you recommend for our next visit? Share your recommendations in the comments below!

More Travel Inspiration: Explore the World

Ready to embark on more travel adventures? Check out these exciting destinations:

48 Hours in Amsterdam

Where to Eat, Drink, and Shop on Magazine Street in New Orleans, Louisiana

Cascade Sturgeon Fishing in the Fraser Valley, British Columbia

Cascade Fishing Adventures in Fraser Valley, British Columbia, Canada

Disclaimer: I partnered with DriveShop and Toyota to test drive the Toyota Sienna in this post. All opinions and photos are, as always, my own.